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Netanyahu reveals a secret UAE trip as Iron Dome support sparks Gulf denials and regional backlash
International
Published on 16 May 2026
UAE denies Netanyahu visit after Iron Dome deployment disclosure
The Israel-UAE relationship, usually handled quietly, was pulled into public view after the US ambassador revealed Israeli Iron Dome personnel and weapons were sent to help protect the UAE from Iranian attacks. Days later, Benjamin Netanyahu said he had secretly visited Abu Dhabi during the war—prompting a fast UAE denial. With tensions rising from the Iran and Gaza conflicts, Gulf states reportedly prefer downplaying Israel ties, even after formal normalization under the Abraham Accords.
- Mike Huckabee said Israel deployed Iron Dome weapons and crews for UAE defense
- Netanyahu claimed a discreet wartime visit to Abu Dhabi, then faced a UAE denial
- UAE’s official WAM framed relations as public under the Abraham Accords only
- The denial stressed the trip involved no unofficial military arrangements
- Regional politics are inflamed by Gaza and broader Iran-linked conflict across the region
- Israel seeks legitimacy and military access while the UAE gains technology and US leverage
Read the full story at The Economic Times
This summarization was done by Beige for a story published on 
The Economic Times