Israel's Netanyahu Made 'Secret' UAE Visit During War With Iran

[lostincalifornia]

Israel’s government said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a “secret visit” to the United Arab Emirates, underlining the growing ties between the countries since the start of the Iran war.

Netanyahu met UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed at some stage after the war erupted in late February, the prime minister’s office said on X. “This visit led to a historic breakthrough in relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates,” it said.

The war with Iran, now in a fragile ceasefire, has upended Middle Eastern geopolitics, with the increased military and intelligence collaboration between the UAE and Israel being one of the most significant shifts.

This is the first known visit of Netanyahu to the UAE. The Arab state’s foreign ministry didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment from Bloomberg.

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-05-13/israel-s-netanyahu-made-secret-uae-visit-during-war-with-iran

[EX500rider]

1. Not surprising they would want Israeli help/advice on missile defense

As of May 2026, Iran has targeted the United Arab Emirates (UAE) more than any other country. Iran has launched over 2,800 missiles and drones at the UAE, surpassing attacks on Israel, as part of a strategy to disrupt economic hubs and pressure the U.S. and its allies.