Netanyahu Makes Secret Visit to UAE, Meets MBZ During Operation Roaring Lion Against Iran

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu conducted a clandestine trip to the United Arab Emirates in the midst of the ongoing Israel-U.S. military campaign against Iran, his office confirmed on Wednesday.

According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Netanyahu met with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan during Operation Roaring Lion, the major offensive launched on February 28, 2026, aimed at neutralizing Iranian threats. Officials described the meeting as yielding a “historic breakthrough” in bilateral relations, building on the 2020 Abraham Accords.

The visit took place while Israeli airspace was largely restricted and amid heightened regional tensions, including Iranian missile and drone attacks on Gulf targets. Israel has previously deployed Iron Dome batteries and personnel to the UAE to bolster its defenses against Iranian strikes.

The announcement comes as Operation Roaring Lion continues, with joint Israeli-U.S. strikes targeting Iranian military infrastructure, nuclear-related sites, and leadership elements.