Netanyahu Made Secret Visit to UAE During Iran War

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a secret meeting with United Arab Emirates (UAE) President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan during the war with Iran.

Both sides have now officially confirmed the meeting for the first time, describing it as a "historic breakthrough" in relations between Israel and the UAE. According to sources, the talks took place at the end of March in the town of Al Ain, near the border with Oman.

The meeting lasted several hours. Representatives of Israeli intelligence agency Mossad also traveled to the Emirates during the conflict to coordinate military activities.

The UAE significantly stepped up security cooperation with Israel and the United States following Iranian attacks. US officials say Israel has deployed Iron Dome air defense systems in the Emirates to protect against missile and drone strikes.

Relations between Israel and the UAE have gradually deepened since the signing of the Abraham Accords in 2020.

(reuters, mja)