Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a secret visit to the United Arab Emirates recently and met with President Mohammed bin Zayed.
Netanyahu’s office confirmed the trip, stating that it resulted in a historic breakthrough in relations between Israel and the UAE.
As reported by CBS News on May 13, 2026, the visit was not announced publicly in advance. It took place as the war between Israel, the United States, and Iran continues.
UAE Role in Iran Conflict
The timing of the meeting is notable. It follows a Wall Street Journal report that the UAE conducted military strikes on Iran last month. The UAE has not publicly acknowledged carrying out those strikes. Iran responded with missile and drone attacks on targets in the UAE, according to regional accounts.
In response to the threats, Israel deployed Iron Dome air-defense batteries and Israeli personnel to the UAE. U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee confirmed the deployment this week.
Sources with direct knowledge told CBS News that the systems and personnel are now operating in the country.
This level of cooperation represents a significant step. The two countries first established formal ties under the 2020 Abraham Accords, a normalization agreement brokered by the United States. Netanyahu had visited the UAE once before in 2018 to meet bin Zayed, prior to the official opening of relations.
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Trump Administration Context
The development occurs under President Donald Trump, who has taken a direct role in managing the U.S. response to the conflict with Iran. Trump has spoken publicly about negotiations with Iran and the conditions for any potential ceasefire.
Congress has pressed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and other officials for details on the authorization for the war and its current status.
The secret visit shows that Israel continues to strengthen ties with Gulf partners even during active fighting. The conflict has already produced economic effects outside the region.
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A developer recently canceled plans for a Trump Tower project in Australia, citing the instability caused by the Iran war.
Why This Matters
This secret meeting and the reported breakthrough carry importance for the future of the Middle East. Israel and the UAE are expanding their relationship from diplomatic and economic cooperation into a direct military partnership.
The presence of Israeli air defense systems and troops on UAE territory is a concrete sign of that shift.
For Israel, the arrangement provides additional defense options and strategic reach against Iranian threats. For the UAE, it offers protection for its territory and infrastructure at a time when Iranian retaliation remains a risk. Both sides appear willing to accept the political costs of closer ties during wartime.
The episode also tests the strength of the Abraham Accords. Launched in 2020, the agreements faced questions about their durability once a major conflict began. Instead of pulling back, Israel and the UAE have moved forward with practical security steps.
From the perspective of the Trump administration, stronger coordination between Israel and Gulf states may help pressure Iran while limiting the need for additional American forces on the ground.
