Netanyahu met with UAE president Sunday in rare trip to country, both sides confirm
Netanyahu Meets UAE President in Rare Visit Before Israel Vote
Activelifezero.com – Netanyahu met with UAE president Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed on Sunday during a rare trip to the United Arab Emirates, as regional security concerns and political pressure ahead of Israel’s election continued to intensify.
Both governments confirmed the meeting on Monday. Their public statements said the leaders discussed relations between Israel and the UAE as well as wider regional developments, with the war involving Iran forming an important backdrop.
Talks focused on bilateral ties and regional pressures
The UAE’s state news agency said Sheikh Mohammed and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reviewed cooperation between their countries and explored ways to strengthen their relationship. Netanyahu’s office similarly said the talks addressed bilateral ties and regional challenges.
Netanyahu traveled with his wife and a senior delegation that included Israel’s National Security Council chief, the Mossad director, a military secretary and a political adviser.
The visit came one month before Israel’s October 27 election. Although Israel and the UAE established formal relations under the Abraham Accords, Netanyahu has not previously made a publicly acknowledged official visit to the country.
In May, Netanyahu’s office said he had made a secret visit to the UAE in March during the early stages of the Iran war, describing it as a “historic breakthrough.” The UAE Foreign Ministry rejected that claim at the time, calling it “completely unfounded.”
Security cooperation draws renewed attention
Israel and the UAE have expanded security coordination as regional tensions have risen. Israel is said to have deployed an Iron Dome missile-defense system in the UAE, while Israeli officials have described security cooperation as reaching unprecedented levels.
The leaders did not publicly address claims that Sheikh Mohammed warned Netanyahu in advance of the Hamas-led attack of October 7, 2023. Netanyahu’s office has repeatedly denied receiving such a warning.
Media reports have also alleged that Egypt’s intelligence chief, Abbas Kamel, visited Israel on September 26, 2023, and warned that Gaza would “blow up.” Another report said Israel received several Egyptian warnings concerning Gaza, including a telephone call to Netanyahu shortly before the attack.
“[The revelation] leaves no room for doubt: Netanyahu led, with blindness, arrogance and irresponsibility, the State of Israel to the greatest disaster in its history.”
Gadi Eizenkot, who is polling as Netanyahu’s leading challenger, made the statement Saturday while criticizing the prime minister’s handling of events before October 7. Netanyahu’s office has called the allegations fabricated attempts to damage him before the election.
Earlier this month, the UAE Foreign Ministry declined to comment directly on speculation about discussions involving government leaders. It said relevant intelligence had been communicated between the appropriate entities, without specifically addressing the alleged warning.
Why the UAE meeting matters politically
The fact that Netanyahu met with UAE president Sheikh Mohammed carries diplomatic and domestic significance. The meeting highlighted the continuing importance of Israel-UAE ties at a time of regional conflict, while also giving Netanyahu an opportunity to point to high-level engagement abroad during a difficult campaign at home.
Likud later accused UAE-based Palestinian politician Mohammed Dahlan of foreign interference in Israel’s election through a statement posted on Netanyahu’s X account. The party provided no evidence for the allegation.
FAQ
When did Netanyahu meet with UAE president Sheikh Mohammed?
The meeting took place on Sunday, and both Israel and the UAE confirmed it publicly on Monday.
What did the Israeli and UAE leaders discuss?
The two sides said they discussed bilateral relations, opportunities to deepen cooperation and regional challenges.
Why was the visit unusual?
Netanyahu had not previously made a publicly acknowledged official visit to the UAE, despite formal diplomatic relations and growing security cooperation between the two countries.
