Story perspectives

Historic Breakthrough: Netanyahu Meets UAE President, Israel Deploys Iron Dome

5/13/2026

Summary

Story summary

The secret trip was called a historic breakthrough in Israel-UAE relations.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in the UAE on March 26 in Al-Ain.
Mossad chief Dedi Barnea made at least two UAE trips during the war to coordinate actions.
Israel deployed Iron Dome batteries and operators to the UAE, as announced by U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee.

History

Historical Context

Low-key Israel-UAE contacts in the 1990s led to a 2015 diplomatic office in Abu Dhabi. Shared opposition to Iran and the suspension of West Bank annexation produced the Abraham Accords, announced August 13 2020 and signed September 15 2020, making the UAE third Arab state to recognize Israel. The March 26 2024 Al-Ain meeting of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed expands security framework, including Iron Dome deployment.

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Story summary

The secret trip was called a historic breakthrough in Israel-UAE relations.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in the UAE on March 26 in Al-Ain.
Mossad chief Dedi Barnea made at least two UAE trips during the war to coordinate actions.
Israel deployed Iron Dome batteries and operators to the UAE, as announced by U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee.

1 / 2