The United Arab Emirates denied a claim on Wednesday by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office that he secretly visited the Gulf country during the US-Israeli war on Iran.
Released hours after Netanyahu’s office confirmed the visit, the UAE’s Foreign Ministry rejected reports about Netanyahu visiting the UAE or any Israeli military delegation being received on Emirati territory. As a key member of the Abrahamic Accords, the UAE is naturally very sensitive about its relationship with Israel and would prefer it to remain our of the public domain. However, recent reports have also confirmed some levels of co-operation with Israel during the war on Iran.
Earlier this week, the US Ambassador to Tel Aviv Mike Huckabee said Tuesday confirmed that Israel sent Iron Dome anti-missile batteries and personnel to the UAE during the Iran war.
Mike Huckabee made the remarks on stage at an event in Tel Aviv, according to CBS News.
“I’d like to say a word of appreciation for the United Arab Emirates, the first Abraham Accord member,” Huckabee said. “Just look at the benefits. Israel just sent them Iron Dome batteries and personnel to help operate them.”
On Wednesday, the ministry stressed that relations between the UAE and Israel are “public and known” within the framework of the Abraham Accords and “are not based on secrecy or hidden arrangements”.
It added that any claims regarding undeclared visits or arrangements are “baseless” unless announced by relevant official Emirati authorities.
The ministry also called on media outlets to verify information and avoid circulating unverified reports or using them to create “political impressions.”.
Netanyahu’s office claimed that the Israeli prime minister had secretly visited the UAE and met with President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan during the US-Israeli war on Iran, adding the visit had led to a “historic breakthrough” in relations between Israel and the UAE. – AA
