The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) issued a firm denial on Wednesday regarding claims made by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office concerning a “secret visit” to the Gulf nation.
The diplomatic friction follows an earlier statement from the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office asserting that Netanyahu had traveled to the UAE during the height of the conflict with Iran to conduct a high-level meeting with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed.
“Public and Transparent Relations”
In a swift rebuttal, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs clarified that its diplomatic engagements are conducted through official and open channels. The statement emphasized:
- Transparency: The UAE maintains that its relations with Israel are “public” and “not based on non-transparent or unofficial arrangements.”
- Protocol: The ministry dismissed the notion of clandestine wartime summits, reinforcing the country’s preference for formal diplomatic protocol.
Context of the Dispute
The conflicting reports come at a sensitive time as the region navigates the aftermath of the spring 2026 military escalations involving Iran. While Israel and the UAE have shared deep security interests since the 2020 Abraham Accords, the UAE has consistently sought to balance its strategic partnership with Israel against its broader regional diplomatic standing.
Observers suggest the Israeli statement may have been an attempt to showcase regional solidarity during “Operation Roaring Lion,” whereas the UAE is keen to avoid the perception of engaging in “backdoor” diplomacy that could complicate its ties with other regional neighbors.
As of late Wednesday, the Israeli Prime Minister’s office has not issued a follow-up response to the Emirati denial.
