Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the United Arab Emirates and met with the Emirati president during the ongoing war with Iran, a statement from the prime minister's office confirmed on Wednesday. The meeting, held in secret, was described as a “historic breakthrough” in relations between Israel and the UAE, according to the official statement.
Secret Strikes on Iran
The revelation comes amid reports that the UAE conducted covert strikes on Iran during the conflict, marking the first direct offensive involvement of a Gulf nation in the hostilities. The Gulf monarchy was a primary target for Iran when it launched retaliatory attacks across the region, targeting states allied with the United States.
According to The Wall Street Journal, the UAE has not publicly acknowledged the strikes, which included an attack on a refinery on Iran’s Lavan Island in the Persian Gulf in early April. This operation coincided with former President Donald Trump’s announcement of a temporary truce.
Regional Implications
The secret meeting and reported strikes underscore the deepening alignment between Israel and the UAE against Iran. Analysts suggest this could reshape regional dynamics, as Gulf states increasingly coordinate with Israel on security matters. The UAE’s role, if confirmed, would represent a significant escalation in its involvement in the conflict, moving beyond diplomatic support to direct military action.
The Israeli Prime Minister’s office did not provide further details about the meeting’s agenda or outcomes, but the “historic breakthrough” language signals a major step in bilateral ties, which were normalized under the Abraham Accords in 2020.
