Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) Chief Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir reportedly made a secret visit to the United Arab Emirates during the ongoing conflict with Iran, according to Israeli state broadcaster Kan.
Israeli media outlet The Times of Israel reported that Zamir was accompanied by other senior Israeli military officials during the visit. While in the UAE, the IDF chief is said to have held bilateral meetings with Emirati President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and other top officials.
The Israeli military has not officially commented on the reported trip.
The revelation comes just two days after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed that he had also visited the UAE during the Iran war. However, the Emirati government quickly denied Netanyahu’s claim.
According to the report, the heads of Israel’s domestic intelligence agency Shin Bet and foreign intelligence service Mossad also traveled to the Gulf country during the conflict.
Meanwhile, senior US officials this week confirmed earlier reports that Israel had deployed an Iron Dome air defense battery to the UAE amid the escalating regional crisis. Israeli military personnel were also reportedly sent to operate the system.
The developments have fueled speculation over growing covert security coordination between Israel and the UAE as tensions with Iran continue to intensify across the Middle East.
