Netanyahu Shared New Iran Nuclear Intel with UAE President

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu presented new intelligence to UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed indicating Iran is resuming its nuclear program activities, according to a Wednesday report by CNN. The intelligence shared by Netanyahu included details about new construction at the site of Pikaa, located approximately 225 kilometers south of Tehran, which is considered a key location for potential Iranian efforts to revive its nuclear program.

A source familiar with the visit told CNN that Iran was the central topic of the surprise meeting, an area where the two countries have deepened cooperation, including during the recent round of fighting. The official Emirates News Agency (WAM) confirmed the meeting between Sheikh Mohamed and Netanyahu, marking the first public acknowledgment by the UAE of Netanyahu's visit. The leaders discussed bilateral relations and ways to strengthen them, according to WAM.

Netanyahu's office stated the meeting focused on strengthening relations and regional challenges. The visit included Netanyahu's wife, the National Security Advisor, the head of the Mossad, the Military Secretary, and another political advisor. Also present were senior security officials from Saudi Arabia and Libya. Discussions also covered recent regional developments, including the Houthi militia in Yemen, the vital Bab el-Mandeb strait at the entrance to the Red Sea, and the Strait of Hormuz.

The surprise visit occurred exactly one month before elections, amidst controversy surrounding reports from Haaretz and The New York Times alleging that bin Zayed had warned Netanyahu about a major Hamas operation days before October 7. Separately, The Atlantic reported that Egyptian intelligence chief Abbas Kamel traveled to Israel on September 26, 2023, to warn that Gaza "would explode." The Wall Street Journal reported on Sunday that at least three Egyptian warnings about Gaza were conveyed to Israel, the last in a phone call with Netanyahu days before the attack.