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UAE Denies Netanyahu Secret Trip; Israel Confirms Visit During Iran War

May 13, 2026

Summary

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office announced a secret visit to the UAE to meet President Mohammed bin Zayed during Operation Roaring Lion, but the UAE Foreign Ministry denied any such visit took place. This comes as Mossad and Shin Bet heads reportedly coordinated in the UAE.

How coverage differs

  • Left: Secret trip denial exposes delicate Mideast alliance dynamics Left-leaning outlets prominently feature the conflicting reports, highlighting Israel's claim of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's secret visit to the UAE to meet President Mohammed bin Zayed during the Iran war. They emphasize the UAE's immediate and firm denial, creating a narrative of diplomatic confusion and potential deception surrounding the alleged high-level meeting.
  • Center: Israel confirms secret UAE visit; Emirates issue swift denial Center outlets neutrally report on the conflicting statements from Israel and the UAE regarding Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's alleged secret visit to the UAE. They present both Israel's assertion of the meeting with President Mohammed bin Zayed during the Iran war and the UAE Foreign Ministry's denial without taking a side.

Coverage by lane

Left

  • Israel Says Netanyahu Made a Secret Trip to U.A.E., Which Says He Didn’t
  • Netanyahu made secret visit to UAE to meet with country's president, Israel says
  • UAE denies Netanyahu visited in ‘secret’ during US-Israel war on Iran
  • Benjamin Netanyahu made secret trip to UAE at height of the Iran war

Center

  • Israel’s Netanyahu made ‘secret’ visit to UAE during Iran war
  • UAE Denies Netanyahu Made Secret Visit During Iran Conflict

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