Netanyahu Reveals Secret UAE Visit During Iran War, Claims 'Historic Breakthrough'; UAE Calls Reports 'Baseless' — Day 75/76

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office revealed on May 13, 2026 (Day 75, continuing into Day 76) that Netanyahu made a secret visit to the UAE during the Iran war — meeting UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed (MBZ) in Al-Ain, an oasis city near the Oman border — in a meeting that lasted several hours. Netanyahu's office described the meeting as producing a 'historic breakthrough' in Israel-UAE relations. The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs immediately denied the reports, calling the statements from Netanyahu's office 'entirely unfounded' and 'baseless.' The UAE reaffirmed that its relations with Israel are 'public and conducted within the framework of the well-known and officially declared Abraham Accords, and are not based on non-transparent or unofficial arrangements,' adding that 'any claims regarding undisclosed visits or arrangements are baseless unless issued by the relevant official authorities in the UAE.' The Netanyahu visit — if it occurred — would likely have taken place around March 26 during 'Operation Roaring Lion.' The competing narratives create an unusual public rupture between the two Abraham Accords partners at a moment when Israeli strikes on Lebanon continue and Israeli-Arab relations are under significant strain. Analysts suggest the UAE may be managing domestic and Arab League sensitivities by publicly distancing itself from secret wartime meetings with Israel, while not categorically denying that any contact occurred through official channels.