JERUSALEM: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made an unannounced visit to the United Arab Emirates on September 27, where he met UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi.

According to Reuters, a senior Israeli official confirmed that Netanyahu travelled to Abu Dhabi and met with the Emirati president. However, neither the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office nor the UAE Foreign Ministry immediately issued an official statement regarding the visit or the meeting.

Israeli media reports said Netanyahu’s visit was for one day and that he travelled to Abu Dhabi aboard a private aircraft. Israel’s Channel 12, KAN, Haaretz and The Jerusalem Post, among other outlets, also reported on the prime minister’s visit to the UAE.

The visit had not been announced in advance, leading to it being described as an unannounced or secret trip. Details of the agenda and the issues discussed between the two leaders have not yet been officially disclosed.

Netanyahu’s visit comes at a time when Israel-UAE relations and the rapidly changing security situation in the region are once again receiving international attention. The two countries have maintained contacts on a range of issues, including regional security.

Earlier this month, Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported that Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed had allegedly warned Netanyahu about a major operation being planned by Hamas around a week and a half before the October 7, 2023 attack. According to the report, the alleged warning did not reach Israeli intelligence and military officials.

Netanyahu has denied the report and threatened legal action against Haaretz. The UAE has not publicly commented on the specific allegations.

Israel and the UAE formally established diplomatic relations following the Abraham Accords in 2020. Since then, the two countries have expanded their diplomatic, economic, commercial and security contacts.

In May this year, reports also emerged of an alleged secret visit by Netanyahu to the UAE. At the time, the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office referred to the visit, while the UAE rejected reports of an unannounced trip and said such claims were unfounded without an official announcement.

The latest visit is also significant because it comes amid heightened security tensions in the region involving Iran, Israel and Gulf states. However, no official details have been released about whether Iran, the Palestinian issue, Hamas, regional security or any other specific matter was discussed during Netanyahu’s meeting with Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed.

Reuters reported that while the Israeli official confirmed Netanyahu’s visit and meeting, there has so far been no formal confirmation from the UAE government.

Therefore, the specific agenda of the meeting and whether the two sides reached any agreement or understanding remain unclear.