Netanyahu Reportedly Met Libyan General Haftar in Secret UAE Visit
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly held a secret meeting with Saddam Haftar, son of Libyan General Khalifa Haftar, during a clandestine visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on September 27. The meeting, detailed by the Italian newspaper Il Foglio, has not been corroborated by other sources. According to Il Foglio, Haftar arrived in the UAE approximately 20 minutes after Netanyahu. This alleged encounter follows previous reports of Haftar meeting with Israeli officials and an unsubstantiated claim in 2021 that one of his aircraft landed at Ben Gurion Airport.
Netanyahu's visit to the UAE, which concluded on September 27, was brief and secret, with details only emerging after his return. He met with UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed in Abu Dhabi, with discussions reportedly focusing on the Iranian threat and US efforts to form a coalition against Iran. The visit is seen as a gesture of goodwill from the UAE amid growing ties between the two nations, particularly following recent regional escalations.
Further reports from Ynet, citing informed sources, suggest Netanyahu met with other regional representatives in the UAE, including those from countries without diplomatic ties with Israel, such as Saudi Arabia. Representatives from Morocco, Libya, Jordan, and Qatar may have also been present. This broader meeting was reportedly organized by Mossad chief Roman Gofman at Saudi Arabia's request for assistance against Houthi attacks in the Red Sea. Discussions included Iran and its proxies, with Israel offering air defense systems to regional partners.
The visit occurred amidst controversy surrounding claims that President bin Zayed had warned Netanyahu of an impending attack before October 7. Netanyahu reportedly asked bin Zayed to deny these reports during their meeting. Official UAE statements on the visit only mentioned discussions of bilateral relations and strengthening them, without confirming the alleged meeting with Haftar or addressing the warning claims.
The same event, reported separately by each outlet. Open a few to compare what different newsrooms emphasize — and what they leave out.
Not the same event — other stories that share this one’s people, places, or theme: background, reactions, and follow-ups.
Ask About This Article
Duki reads it, and every newsroom on the same story, then answers with sources.