DID Press: United Arab Emirates has confirmed that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi, a day after reports emerged of the previously unannounced visit.
According to the official Emirates News Agency (WAM), the two leaders discussed bilateral relations between the UAE and Israel and ways to strengthen and develop them. Netanyahu’s office said the visit, which took place at the UAE president’s invitation, focused on strengthening bilateral ties and regional challenges.
The meeting was first reported by Israeli media, and a senior Israeli official subsequently confirmed Netanyahu’s visit to Reuters. The UAE and Netanyahu’s office initially did not comment publicly on the reported trip.
Reuters reported, citing three senior Israeli officials, that the meeting lasted about six hours and also focused on Iran. The Israeli officials’ account goes beyond the brief description released by WAM, which referred to bilateral relations.
The meeting comes amid heightened regional tensions and renewed scrutiny of UAE-Israel relations, which were formally established under the Abraham Accords in 2020. The UAE has continued to maintain diplomatic relations and direct communication channels with Israel while publicly supporting a political settlement to the Palestinian issue.
Recent reports have also revived controversy over an earlier alleged warning by Mohamed bin Zayed to Netanyahu before the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack. Haaretz reported that such a warning was given, while Netanyahu has denied receiving it and the UAE has not confirmed the allegation.