UAE rejects ‘Israeli’ statement; denies Netanyahu visited country

The United Arab Emirates denied Wednesday that ‘Israeli’ Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the country, after the latter’s office said the premier made a “secret” visit to meet the Gulf country’s President during the Iran war.

“The United Arab Emirates denies what is being circulated regarding a visit by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the country, or the reception of any Israeli military delegation on its territory,” a statement by the UAE’s Foreign Ministry said.

“The State confirms that its relations with Israel are public relations, established within the framework of the well-known and announced Abraham Accords, and are not based on secrecy or hidden arrangements,” it added.

Earlier today, Netanyahu’s office said he held a "secret" meeting with the president of the United Arab Emirates during the war with Iran.

"During Operation 'Lion's Roar', Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu paid a secret visit to the United Arab Emirates, where he met with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan," his office claimed in a statement.

Netanyahu's office claimed the visit "marked a historic breakthrough in relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates".

Iran targeted the UAE more than any other country during the war, which was sparked by US-‘Israeli’ strikes on the Islamic republic at the end of February.

Despite a ceasefire that came into effect last month, the UAE has since reported multiple missile and drone attacks from Iran.

The oil-rich United Arab Emirates is a top US ally in the region and among the Arab nations with official ties to ‘Israel’ after signing the Abraham Accords during US President Donald Trump's first term in 2020.