Netanyahu ‘blunder’ threatens US-backed Israel-UAE alliance at critical moment with Iran: analyst
The U.S.-brokered alliance designed to counter Iran in the Middle East is showing signs of strain amid tensions between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, an analyst says, as the prospect of a broader conflict with Tehran intensifies on Sunday.
The friction first arose on May 13, following the Israeli Prime Minister’s arraignment. Benjamin NetanyahuHis office said he held a “historic breakthrough” meeting with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan during a “secret visit” to Al Ain, near the Oman border.
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a swift denial following the announcement.
The Ministry said, “Their relations with Israel are public and established within the framework of the Abraham Accords, which are known and announced to the public. These relations are not based on secrecy or secret agreements.”
President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are reportedly in close contact several times a week during the ongoing multi-front wars with Gaza and Iran.
(Getty Images)
“Therefore, any allegations of undisclosed visits or arrangements are unfounded unless published by the relevant official authorities in the UAE.” he added.
Middle East Institute analyst says ‘risks are high’ Nathan Sachs he told Fox News Digital.
“I think the Israelis are working overtime to repair relations with the UAE, but it’s too early to tell,” he said.
President Donald Trump met with Netanyahu on Sunday As tensions over Iran rise and the Israeli leader says he is “prepared for any scenario.”
Leaders discussed a possible development Renewal of war with Iran As well as Trump’s recent visit to China, according to the Times of Israel.
Sachs, a senior member of the instituteHe said Netanyahu’s claim of a UAE meeting “seems to be a diplomatic mistake because it embarrasses the UAE.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, and United Arab Emirates Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan join President Trump for the Abraham Accords signing ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House on September 15, 2020 in Washington.
“This was a strange move since the UAE was a close partner of Israel even during this war,” Sachs said. he said.
“Netanyahu was either not thinking, or he was thinking about something else: domestic politics. “This wasn’t the first time he’d done this.”
“To the extent that Emirati anger is real, that would mean working to maintain their trust Gulf Arab ally“Sachs added.
“I also cannot ignore Emirati anger over the leak, which could be seen as a breach of trust, something that is very important for the Emirati leadership.”
Brokered by Abraham Accords In 2020, the United States fundamentally changed regional balances by normalizing relations between Israel and the UAE, Bahrain, Morocco and Sudan.
Security cooperation It has expanded significantly since then due to shared concerns about Iran’s military ambitions.
The Future of War? US-Israeli Attack on Iran Reveals Next Generation Allied Warfare
Foreign workers watch a towering cloud of black smoke rising after an explosion in the industrial zone of Fujairah on March 3, 2026. Iran’s attacks on its Gulf neighbors since February 28, following the US-Israeli attack, have forced the UAE to close its airspace, disrupting travel to the region.
When was this alliance tested? Iran launched an attack on the UAE Military and energy infrastructure during Operation Epic Fury.
Israel is said to have deployed Iron Dome air defense systems and personnel in the UAE, according to US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee. UAE confirms capture of three men on Sunday drones It comes from the west.
“The UAE took most of the fire from Iran. Most vulnerable to Iranian short-range attacks “There are more abundant and cheaper missiles than the medium-range missiles fired at Israel,” Sachs said.
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“Although short-range missiles are preventable, Iran has many more of them. The UAE took the most hits, but still stood out by adhering to its strategy most clearly. Open partnership with Israel“
“But the public statement made by Netanyahu could be seen as a step too far,” Sachs added.
Original article source: Analyst: Netanyahu’s ‘gata’ threatens US-backed Israel-UAE alliance at critical moment with Iran
