JERUSALEM: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a “secret” meeting with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) president during the war with Iran, his office said on Wednesday.

In a statement, it said that during the Israeli military operation against Iran, Netanyahu paid a secret visit to the UAE, where he met President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

The timing of the statement is crucial, as it comes when US President Donald Trump is visiting China.

Netanyahu’s office said the visit “marked a historic breakthrough in relations between Israel and the UAE”.

However, the UAE denied reports of Neta­nyahu’s visit to the country. Its foreign ministry said these relations are not based on secrecy, so any claims regarding una­n­nounced visits or arra­ngements are “baseless” unless officially issued by the uae.

Published in Dawn, May 14th, 2026