Netanyahu Secretly Met Gulf Leaders in UAE to Discuss Iran, Saudi Arabia Seeks Aid

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a secret meeting with representatives from Gulf nations, including Saudi Arabia, during his visit to the United Arab Emirates on Sunday, September 27. The meeting, reportedly facilitated by Mossad chief Roman Hoffman, also included participants from Morocco, Libya, Jordan, and Qatar. The gathering followed a request from Saudi Arabia for Israeli assistance against Houthi attacks in the Red Sea.

Discussions primarily focused on Iran and its regional proxies, particularly the Houthis. Israel expressed readiness to provide air defense systems to regional countries, mirroring its support to the UAE during its conflict with Iran. The UAE's President Mohammed bin Zayed reportedly agreed to host the meeting, though the level of other attendees remains unclear.

While the UAE's official news agency reported on September 28 that Netanyahu and bin Zayed discussed bilateral relations and strengthening them, it did not deny reports that bin Zayed had warned Netanyahu of a potential Hamas attack shortly before October 7. This visit marked the first time Netanyahu's trip to the UAE received official confirmation from the Emirati side, unlike previous visits by former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett.

Following the UAE's statement, Netanyahu's office also issued a brief announcement confirming the visit with his wife, stating it was at bin Zayed's invitation and focused on strengthening relations and regional challenges, with participation from the National Security Advisor, Mossad chief, military secretary, and political advisor.

Later, after an AP report, Netanyahu's office issued a denial, calling the information about a warning "fake news" and reiterating the visit's focus on bilateral relations and regional challenges. The Prime Minister's office also 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 landed in Israel, claiming it endangered the Prime Minister and his entourage. Channel 12 representatives countered that the visit was a significant political event of public interest and that the report aired after the Prime Minister had already landed, posing no threat.