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 with Israel, may have participated in the discussions. 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 of Israel's ITV first reporting it on the evening of September 27. According to the report, Netanyahu traveled on a private jet and spent a significant portion of the day in the UAE. The UAE's official WAM news agency later confirmed that Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed hosted the Israeli prime minister, stating their discussions covered "bilateral relations between the UAE and Israel and ways to strengthen and develop them." Netanyahu's office also confirmed the trip, noting that his wife, Sara, accompanied him. The Israeli delegation included Mossad chief Roman Gofman, National Security Advisor Shmuel Ben-Ezra, and military secretary Maj. Gen. Guy Marzano, among other security officials.

While Netanyahu's office stated the talks focused on strengthening bilateral ties and "regional challenges," sources cited by "Israel Hayom" indicated a broader scope. Two diplomatic sources from Gulf countries told the publication 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, including potential future scenarios. Security coordination, diplomatic engagement, and defense against threats from the Houthis were also discussed. These sources claim the meeting proceeded with the knowledge and approval of the U.S. administration.

Reports from Ynet suggest the participation of representatives from Saudi Arabia, Morocco, and Jordan, in addition to other Gulf nations. According to this account, Mossad chief Roman Gofman prepared for the multilateral meeting, and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed agreed to host it in Abu Dhabi. Neither Riyadh, Rabat, nor Amman have officially confirmed the participation of their representatives. Arab media coverage of the meeting largely referenced Israeli publications.

Further supporting the notion of a wider regional meeting, open-source aviation tracking data revealed several flights arriving in Abu Dhabi around the same time as Netanyahu. These included a Qatari government plane, a private jet linked to Khalifa Haftar's circle, and a Moroccan Air Force C-130 transport plane. Another Emirati-owned aircraft that had previously flown to Riyadh also landed in Abu Dhabi shortly before Netanyahu's arrival.

An i24NEWS source familiar with the talks stated that Iran was the central issue between Netanyahu and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, noting two prior phone calls between the leaders. "Israel Hayom" also reported discussions on potential Iranian conflict scenarios and Houthi threats. This meeting occurs amidst deepening defense cooperation between Israel and the UAE, including a reported joint fund for arms procurement and development, particularly for air defense and drone countermeasures, established during a previous Netanyahu visit.

However, Associated Press, citing its own sources, presented an alternative reason for the visit: Netanyahu allegedly asked Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed to publicly deny reports that the UAE president had warned the Israeli prime minister of a potential major Hamas attack shortly before October 7, 2023. Netanyahu's office vehemently denied this, calling it "fake news" and reiterating that the visit concerned only 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.