AL AIN — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu secretly traveled to Al Ain in the United Arab Emirates on March 26 to meet with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, his office said. Netanyahu's office described the trip as a "historic breakthrough" in relations between Israel and the UAE. There was no immediate confirmation from the UAE regarding the visit.

Israel deployed Iron Dome air-defense batteries and personnel to the UAE to help counter potential Iranian attacks. "Israel had deployed Iron Dome air-defense batteries and personnel to the United Arab Emirates," U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee said. Mossad director David Barnea also made at least two visits to the UAE during the Iran war to coordinate military actions.

The UAE and other Arab countries came under Iranian missile and drone attacks after the United States and Israel began bombing Iran in late February. A ceasefire between Iran and the U.S. has been in place since April 8.

According to the UAE state news agency WAM, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed received calls from several regional leaders after Iranian attacks on May 5, including from Netanyahu, who expressed solidarity and support for measures taken to protect the country's security and stability.

Relations between Israel and the UAE have grown gradually since the signing of the Abraham Accords in 2020. The accords were formally signed in Washington, D.C., on September 15, 2020, by UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Netanyahu. Under the agreement, Israel agreed to suspend plans to annex parts of the occupied West Bank, including the Jordan Valley.