Netanyahu's Secret Abu Dhabi Visit Focused on Iran, Regional Threats

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a secret visit to Abu Dhabi on Sunday, September 27, for talks that reportedly extended beyond bilateral relations with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed. Israeli and Arab media suggest that representatives from other regional nations, including those without diplomatic ties to Israel, may have participated. Flight tracking data indicated an unusual number of government and military aircraft from several Arab countries were present in Abu Dhabi during Netanyahu's visit. The visit was initially kept secret, with Channel 12 IT V first reporting it on the evening of September 27. Netanyahu reportedly traveled on a private jet and spent a significant part of the day in the UAE. The UAE's official WAM news agency later confirmed the meeting, stating it focused on strengthening bilateral relations. Netanyahu's office also confirmed the trip, noting that his wife, Sara, accompanied him, along with Mossad chief Roman Gofman, National Security Council head Shmuel Ben-Ezra, and military secretary Maj. Gen. Guy Marzano.

According to Netanyahu's office, the discussions centered on strengthening bilateral ties and addressing "regional challenges." However, "A-Yom" newspaper reported, citing two Gulf diplomatic sources, that high-ranking representatives from at least two other Gulf states without diplomatic relations with Israel were present. The primary topic of discussion was reportedly Iran and potential future scenarios, alongside security coordination, diplomatic engagement, and defense against Houthi threats. These sources claimed the meeting had the knowledge and approval of the U.S. administration.

Ynet reported that representatives from Saudi Arabia, Morocco, and Jordan, among other Gulf nations, participated. Mossad chief Roman Gofman allegedly organized the multilateral meeting, with Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed agreeing to host it in Abu Dhabi. Neither Riyadh, Rabat, nor Amman officially confirmed their representatives' attendance. Arab media largely cited Israeli publications in their reporting on the meeting.

Data from open-source aviation tracking systems indirectly supported the notion of a broader regional gathering. Several flights arrived in Abu Dhabi around the same time as Netanyahu, including a Qatari government plane, a private jet linked to Khalifa Haftar's circle, and a Moroccan Air Force C-130 transport plane. An Emirati aircraft that had previously flown to Riyadh also landed in Abu Dhabi shortly after Netanyahu's arrival. A source familiar with the talks told i24NEWS that Iran was the main subject between Netanyahu and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, following two prior phone calls between the leaders. "A-Yom" also reported discussions on potential scenarios concerning Iran and Houthi threats.

The context for these talks includes deepening defense cooperation between Israel and the UAE, with reports from earlier in the year indicating the establishment of a joint fund for arms procurement and development, particularly for air defense and drone countermeasures. Separately, Associated Press, citing its sources, suggested another reason for the visit: Netanyahu may have asked Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed to publicly deny reports that the UAE president had warned Netanyahu of a potential large-scale Hamas attack before October 7, 2023. Netanyahu's office vehemently denied this, calling it "fake news" and stating the visit was solely about bilateral relations and regional issues.

The secrecy surrounding the trip led to a dispute between the Prime Minister's office and Channel 12. The Shin Bet filed a complaint with the chief military censor, alleging the channel reported on the trip before Netanyahu's plane had returned to Israel, potentially compromising the prime minister's security and operational methods.