Israel’s Netanyahu made a secret visit to the UAE on Sunday, source says
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu traveled to Abu Dhabi on Sunday for a secret meeting with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed. The Prime Minister's office confirmed the encounter. During the trip, Netanyahu presented new Israeli intelligence indicating that Iran is resuming progress on its nuclear program. The diplomatic visit also followed reports regarding a pre-October 7 warning from the Emirati leader to Netanyahu about an impending Hamas attack. According to reports, Netanyahu asked the UAE president to deny those previous claims.
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- ✓ Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu secretly visited Abu Dhabi on Sunday and met with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed.
- ✓ The Prime Minister's office confirmed the meeting took place.
- ✓ The UAE confirmed that the president met with Israel's prime minister on Sunday.
What changed
The Prime Minister's office and the UAE officially confirmed Sunday's undisclosed meeting between Benjamin Netanyahu and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed in Abu Dhabi.
Live updates
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Netanyahu Makes Secret UAE Visit to Meet President MBZ
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu traveled to Abu Dhabi on Sunday for a secret meeting with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed. The Prime Minister's office confirmed the encounter. During the trip, Netanyahu presented new Israeli intelligence indicating that Iran is resuming progress on its nuclear program. The diplomatic visit also followed reports regarding a pre-October 7 warning from the Emirati leader to Netanyahu about an impending Hamas attack. According to reports, Netanyahu asked the UAE president to deny those previous claims.
Why it matters
The visit addresses regional tensions surrounding Iran and tests diplomatic relations between Israel and the UAE. It follows an Israeli media report alleging that the Emirati president gave warnings before the 2023 Hamas attack that Netanyahu failed to share with security services. Meanwhile, the Shin Bet has demanded legal action against Channel 12 over its reporting on the matter.
What is confirmed
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu secretly visited Abu Dhabi on Sunday and met with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed.
- The Prime Minister's office confirmed the meeting took place.
- The UAE confirmed that the president met with Israel's prime minister on Sunday.
Still unconfirmed
- The Shin Bet is demanding legal action against Channel 12 for its report regarding the pre-October 7 warning.
What to watch next
- Official statements or clarifications from the UAE regarding the agenda of the Abu Dhabi meeting
- Developments concerning Shin Bet's threatened legal action against Channel 12
- Further intelligence disclosures or international responses regarding Iran's nuclear program progress
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (11)
- nytimes.com — Netanyahu Said to Have Been Warned by Emirati Leader About Hamas Attack Before Oct. 7
- Reuters — Israel's Netanyahu visited Abu Dhabi on Sunday, Israeli official says
- WSJ — Egypt Warned Netanyahu of Impending Attack on Israel Before Oct. 7
- CNN — Israel’s Netanyahu made a secret visit to the UAE on Sunday, source says
- The Times of Israel — PM's office confirms Abu Dhabi meeting with MBZ, says Shin Bet demanding legal action against Channel 12 for report
- www.outlookindia.com — UAE Confirms Netanyahu’s Secret Visit: What Was On The Agenda?
- www.cnn.com — Israel’s Netanyahu made a secret visit to the UAE on Sunday, source says
- tribune.com.pk — Netanyahu made a secret visit to UAE - The Express Tribune
- www.egyptindependent.com — Netanyahu made a secret visit to the UAE on Sunday, source says - Egypt Independent
- www.euronews.com — UAE confirms president met with Israel's PM Netanyahu in Abu Dhabi on Sunday
- www.cnn.com — Netanyahu’s secret UAE visit puts Oct. 7 warning claims back in focus
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