Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s reported weekend visit to Abu Dhabi and his meeting with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed have sparked fresh questions over Israel-UAE ties, regional security and the political pressure facing Netanyahu ahead of Israel’s upcoming Knesset election. The meeting, confirmed by UAE state media, focused on strengthening bilateral relations and regional developments, including Iran. The visit has also drawn renewed attention to a separate and highly contentious report by Haaretz alleging that MBZ had warned Netanyahu before the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack about a potential major threat. According to the report, the alleged warning concerned then-Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar and a planned “huge surprise.” Netanyahu has denied receiving any advance warning from the UAE and has challenged the allegations. The UAE has said it does not comment on media reports or speculation surrounding conversations between leaders, while stating that UAE and Israeli government entities have maintained direct communication channels. WATCH

Prime Minister Narendra Modi began his six-day, five-nation tour with a high-stakes visit to the UAE as tensions continue to rise across West Asia. In a dramatic gesture, UAE F-16 fighter jets escorted Air India One into Abu Dhabi airspace before PM Modi held crucial talks with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. With the Strait of Hormuz crisis disrupting global oil and gas supplies, India and the UAE signed major agreements on LPG supplies, strategic petroleum reserves and defence cooperation. The UAE also announced a massive $5 billion investment push into India covering infrastructure, banking and housing sectors.