Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a secret visit to the United Arab Emirates during Israel's military campaign in Iran this spring, meeting with Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed. The undisclosed trip was announced by Netanyahu's office as a "historic breakthrough" in bilateral relations, marking the first official visit by an Israeli prime minister to the Gulf state.

The UAE has suffered more Iranian drone and missile strikes than any country since the war began on Feb. 28. Attacks have battered energy facilities, airports and hotels, killing at least 10 civilians. Despite Tehran warning of "dangerous consequences," Abu Dhabi has deepened its alliance with Jerusalem, deploying Israeli defense systems and exchanging high-level leadership calls.

Israel deployed its Iron Dome air defense system in the Emirates—the first time the system defended an Arab country. U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee confirmed the deployment, praising the UAE at a Tel Aviv news conference. Since the Abraham Accords in 2020, Israeli tourists, investors and technology companies have poured into Dubai, with the secret visit cementing a partnership that has only grown stronger under fire.