Netanyahu meets Emirati leader in a secret weekend trip to Abu Dhabi, and other Mideast developments

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1. 2h ago

   Netanyahu holds secret meeting with UAE leader in Abu Dhabi

   Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu traveled secretly to Abu Dhabi over the weekend for an hourlong meeting with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Both nations revealed the visit on Monday, during which the leaders discussed bilateral relations. Reports indicate Netanyahu may have also met with officials from Middle Eastern countries that do not maintain formal ties with Israel. The visit follows intense scrutiny regarding whether Netanyahu received advance warnings about the October 7 Hamas attacks from regional partners.

   Why it matters

   Netanyahu faces mounting pressure over claims that Egypt and the UAE warned him of an impending attack before October 7. He has denied reports of an Egyptian warning and blamed the former Shin Bet chief for failing to alert him.

   What is confirmed

   • Benjamin Netanyahu visited Abu Dhabi on Sunday.
   • Netanyahu held an hourlong meeting with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
   • The UAE and Israel revealed the secret weekend trip on Monday.
   • The meeting between Netanyahu and the UAE president focused on bilateral relations.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Netanyahu met with officials from Middle Eastern countries that do not have ties with Israel during the UAE visit.
   • The Emirati leader warned Netanyahu about the Hamas attack before October 7.
   • Egypt warned Netanyahu of an impending attack on Israel before October 7.
   • A Channel 12 report endangered the lives of the Prime Minister and the Israeli delegation.

   What to watch next

   • Official Israeli or Emirati confirmation of the content of the October 7 warning claims
   • Legal outcomes of Shin Bet's pursued action against Channel 12
   Sources used for this update (35)

   1. www.aljazeera.com — Benjamin Netanyahu | Today's latest from Al Jazeera
   2. www.timesofisrael.com — Benjamin Netanyahu - The Times of Israel
   3. nytimes.com — Netanyahu Said to Have Been Warned by Emirati Leader About Hamas Attack Before Oct. 7
   4. www.cbsnews.com — Netanyahu lashed Mamdani in fiery U.N. speech, but real aim was his own political survival, analyst says
   5. timesofisrael.com — Netanyahu’s narrative of ignorance on October 7 is rapidly unraveling
   6. Reuters — Israel's Netanyahu visited Abu Dhabi on Sunday, Israeli official says
   7. WSJ — Egypt Warned Netanyahu of Impending Attack on Israel Before Oct. 7
   8. CNN — Israel’s Netanyahu made a secret visit to the UAE on Sunday, source says
   9. AP News — Netanyahu meets Emirati leader in a secret weekend trip to Abu Dhabi, and other Mideast developments
   10. The Times of Israel — Netanyahu denies reports of Egyptian warning before Oct. 7, blames ex-Shin Bet chief for not alerting him on eve of massacre
   11. The Hill — Netanyahu should be held accountable for failing to stop Oct. 7
   12. i24NEWS — Don't Believe The Reports Of October 7 Warnings, Or Netanyahu's Denials - Analysis
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