Netanyahu's Secret UAE Trip Focused on Iran, Regional Security

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu secretly visited the United Arab Emirates on Sunday, September 27, where he met with officials from Gulf states that do not have diplomatic ties with Israel, including Saudi Arabia. Sources indicate that representatives from Morocco, Libya, Jordan, and Qatar may have also attended the meeting, which was reportedly arranged by Mossad chief Roman Hoffman. The meeting followed a request from Saudi Arabia for Israeli assistance against Houthi attacks in the Red Sea.

UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan hosted the meeting, which focused on Iran and its proxies in the Middle East, particularly the Houthis. Israel offered to provide regional countries with air defense systems, similar to its assistance to the UAE during its conflict with Iran. The UAE's official news agency reported on September 28 that Netanyahu and bin Zayed discussed bilateral relations and ways to strengthen them.

While the UAE's official statement did not deny reports that bin Zayed had warned Netanyahu of a potential Hamas attack shortly before October 7, the Israeli Prime Minister's office later issued a denial, calling the reports "fake news" and stating the visit was solely about strengthening relations and addressing regional challenges. This visit was the first to receive official confirmation from the UAE side, unlike previous visits by former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett.

Following the UAE's announcement and an AP report, Netanyahu's office also released a statement confirming the visit, which included his wife and senior security officials. The Prime Minister's office filed a complaint with the chief military censor against Channel 12 Keshet for allegedly violating censorship by reporting on the trip before Netanyahu's plane had landed in Israel, claiming it endangered the Prime Minister and his entourage. Channel 12 Keshet defended its reporting, stating the visit was a significant political event of public interest and that the report was aired after the Prime Minister had safely returned to Israel.