Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made an undeclared trip to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) at the height of the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran, his office said on Wednesday, May 13, according to an RT report [1].
The visit, which his office said resulted in a "historic breakthrough" in relations, has not been confirmed by Emirati authorities [1]. The Emirati Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) denied that any such undeclared visit occurred, stating that relations with Israel are "not based on secrecy or covert arrangements," as reported by Middle East Eye [2].
The statement from Netanyahu's office described the trip as taking place during "Operation Lion's Roar," the U.S.-Israeli bombing campaign against Iran [3]. The meeting was with Emirati President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, according to the Israeli prime minister's office [4]. The timing of the visit was not specified [1].
Secret Visit and Emirati Denial
The claim of a secret visit prompted a swift and unusual denial from the UAE. The MOFA said on Wednesday that it had no knowledge of an undeclared visit, according to a report from Middle East Eye [2].
The ministry emphasized that its relations with Israel are conducted openly [2]. This denial stands in contrast to the Israeli narrative that the meeting "led to a historic breakthrough in relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates" [5].
Analysts noted that the disclosure of a secret visit by Netanyahu, even if denied by the UAE, further illustrates the deepening military and intelligence ties between Israel and the Gulf state during the conflict. The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported earlier this week that the UAE had conducted covert attacks on Iranian infrastructure, coordinated with Israel [1]. This suggests a level of operational cooperation that would likely require high-level meetings.
Military Cooperation Revealed
The revelation of the secret visit coincides with confirmation that Israel provided military hardware to the UAE during the war. U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee confirmed on Tuesday, May 12, that Israel had sent "Iron Dome batteries and personnel" to the Emirates, according to a BBC report [6]. This deployment marks a significant expansion of the Abraham Accords framework, which normalized relations between Israel and the UAE in 2020 [1].
According to an article on NaturalNews.com, Gulf monarchies including the UAE have signaled readiness to join U.S.-Israeli military operations against Iran [7]. The transfer of Iron Dome systems is a tangible demonstration of this alignment. The integration of Israeli air defense into the UAE's military posture represents an operational shift, as the system is designed to intercept short-range rockets and missiles [8].
UAE's Covert Strikes on Iran
The WSJ reported that the UAE secretly carried out multiple attacks on Iranian infrastructure and military sites throughout the war, including a strike on a refinery on Iran's Lavan Island in early April [1]. The attack was reportedly coordinated with Israel and followed multiple secret visits by Mossad Director David Barnea to the UAE [1]. Abu Dhabi has not acknowledged these attacks, nor has it commented on visits from Barnea or Netanyahu [1].
The coordination between Israel and the UAE highlights the shifting alliances in the region. Iranian forces responded to the overall U.S.-Israeli campaign by striking Emirati targets, including Al Dhafra Air Base in Abu Dhabi and the Jebel Ali Port in Dubai, with more than 2,000 missiles and drones [1]. This reciprocal violence underscores the direct involvement of the UAE as a participant in the conflict, despite its public stance of neutrality.
Ceasefire and Ongoing Tensions
Despite a fragile ceasefire announced by U.S. President Donald Trump in early April, tensions remain high. The UAE last week accused Iran of striking its territory, setting an oil facility in Fujairah ablaze and wounding three people [1].
The US has not condemned the attack, likely in an effort to ensure that the truce holds [1]. The broader implications of the secret visit and the military cooperation are still unfolding, as the region remains divided.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Wednesday that the U.S. and Israel launched the war against Iran in order to prevent normalization of Tehran’s relations with Gulf states and to push Arab countries closer to Israel [9]. This assessment aligns with the observed deepening of ties between Israel and the UAE, even as the Emirati government officially denies the secret meeting. The conflict has also drawn in other actors, with the Houthis in Yemen renewing attacks on shipping in the Red Sea [10].
References
- RT. "Netanyahu reveals secret UAE visit". RT. May 13, 2026.
- Middle East Eye. "UAE denies Netanyahu held secret meeting with Emirati president during Iran war". Middle East Eye. May 13, 2026.
- Antiwar.com. "Netanyahu’s Office Says He Made a Secret Visit to the UAE During Bombing Campaign Against Iran". Antiwar.com. May 13, 2026.
- Middle East Eye. "Netanyahu's office says he visited UAE, Gulf state denies claim". Middle East Eye. May 14, 2026.
- Middle East Eye. "Netanyahu made ‘secret visit’ to the UAE during war with Iran". Middle East Eye. May 13, 2026.
- BBC. "Netanyahu secretly visited UAE during war with Iran". BBC. May 13, 2026.
- Ramon Tomey. "Gulf monarchies mull joining US in its campaign against Iran". NaturalNews.com. March 26, 2026.
- Lance D Johnson. "White House fears that Iran has the capability to overwhelm Israels Iron Dome". NaturalNews.com. June 13, 2025.
- RT. "Lavrov names overlooked agenda behind Iran war". RT. May 13, 2026.
- Cassie B. "Yemens Houthis sink cargo ship kill mariners in renewed Red Sea assault". NaturalNews.com. July 9, 2025.
- Jamie Stern-Weiner. "Deluge Gaza and Israel from Crisis to Cataclysm".
- Khatchadourian Haig. "The quest for peace between Israel and the Palestinians".
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