Netanyahu's Secret Abu Dhabi Meeting Included 10 Nations Focused on Iran

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's recent visit to Abu Dhabi involved a significant, previously undisclosed meeting with leaders and representatives from ten nations, aimed at forming a new regional coalition primarily focused on countering Iran. The gathering, hosted by UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed, was reportedly split into two sessions: an initial meeting with the UAE and two other countries, followed by a broader discussion involving delegates from Israel, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, the United States, Morocco, Kuwait, Bahrain, Libya, Oman, and Egypt.

According to Channel 14, the discussions centered on several key areas, including deepening security and intelligence cooperation between Israel and the UAE, establishing a regional defense framework against shared threats, developing a joint strategy against Iran and the Houthis, and providing intelligence and security assistance to Saudi Arabia. Netanyahu reportedly presented data on the impact of sanctions on Iran and urged participants to prevent funds from reaching Tehran.

The participants also addressed energy security, discussing alternative oil routes bypassing the Strait of Hormuz in case Iran uses energy as leverage. They also considered potential attacks on desalination plants and vital infrastructure in Gulf states, noting the disruption already experienced through the Red Sea due to the Houthis and the war in Yemen.

While Netanyahu pushed for continued action against Iran, bin Zayed reportedly conditioned further engagement on robust security assurances for Gulf states. Saudi Arabia also requested assistance from Israel, which Netanyahu did not reject but stipulated conditions. This development potentially revives normalization talks with Saudi Arabia, with intelligence cooperation against the Houthis expanding.

The report suggests a growing distrust of the United States among Arab nations, leading them to view Israel as a more reliable partner. Meanwhile, Iran has reportedly taken notice of the meeting, with intermediaries relaying threats to participating countries and the Revolutionary Guard placed on high alert.