Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited Abu Dhabi on Sunday and held a meeting with United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, according to a senior Israeli official cited by Reuters.
The visit comes at a sensitive time for the Middle East, with regional security concerns and diplomatic efforts continuing across the region. Details about the purpose and agenda of Netanyahu's meeting in Abu Dhabi were not immediately made public.
The Israeli prime minister's office and the UAE's Foreign Ministry did not immediately provide confirmation or further details about the reported visit.
Israel and the UAE established diplomatic relations under the US-brokered Abraham Accords in 2020. Since then, the two countries have maintained diplomatic and economic ties, although regional conflicts have created challenges for their relationship.
The reported meeting also comes amid renewed attention to communications between Israeli and Emirati leaders before the October 7, 2023 attacks. Israeli newspaper Haaretz previously reported that UAE President Sheikh Mohamed had warned Netanyahu about the possibility of a major Hamas operation shortly before the attacks. Netanyahu has denied that account.
The UAE has not publicly confirmed the reported warning. However, officials have continued to emphasize the importance of direct communication between the two countries.
Netanyahu's reported Abu Dhabi visit could therefore provide an opportunity for the two governments to discuss regional developments and bilateral relations. However, without an official statement detailing the discussions, the specific issues raised during the meeting remain unclear.
The visit highlights the continuing diplomatic contacts between Israel and the UAE as governments across the Middle East navigate ongoing security challenges and political tensions.