UAE confirms Netanyahu visit, says talks focused on bilateral ties

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the United Arab Emirates on Sunday and met UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, with the discussions focusing on bilateral relations and regional challenges, according to the Emirati state news agency WAM. The WAM report on Monday marked the first official confirmation from the UAE of Netanyahu's visit. Netanyahu's office also confirmed the trip, saying it took place at the invitation of Sheikh Mohamed. The Israeli prime minister's office said the meeting "focused on strengthening relations between the two countries and on regional challenges".
Netanyahu flew on a private plane to Abu Dhabi around noon Sunday and spent four hours in the UAE, Israel’s Channel 12 first reported on Sunday night. During the visit, he held an hour-long meeting with the UAE’s president, according to two people who were briefed on the trip. Channel 12 reported Monday that the meeting took place at the airport.
The visit came amid controversy in Israel over a reported warning given by the Emirati leader to Netanyahu a week and a half before the Hamas-led massacre, as well as several other reports of warnings, including from Egypt’s former intelligence chief, just days before the attack.Three senior Israeli officials said the meeting lasted around six hours and focused on Iran. No detailed account of the discussions was immediately released by either side.