Saudi defence minister receives UAE vice president amid escalating Houthi threat

Arabiya_Brk)September 29, 2026UAE state news agencyWAMsaid Sheikh Mansour would travel to the ​kingdom in ​a "fraternal visit" ⁠upon the extended invitation, without providing further details.

Saudi Arabia has ​been trying to rally international ​support ⁠to confront the Houthis, but it was not immediately clear if that request ⁠extended ​to the UAE.Netanyahu makes a secret visit to UAEOn Monday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asked UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed during a secret meeting on Sunday to deny a report that he had warned Netanyahu of an imminent Hamas attack before October 7, 2023, Israeli newspaper.

Haaretzsaid on Monday, Anadolu Agencyreported. Read:Netanyahu made a secret visit to UAENetanyahu asked bin Zayed to deny reports about their phone conversation and details surrounding the events before October 7 that "could embarrass him,"Haaretzsaid, citing unspecified sources.

Netanyahu asked UAE leader to deny Haaretz Oct. 7 warning report in secret visithttps://t.co/5n7Bav. Di6l— Haaretz.com (@haaretzcom)September 28, 2026The Israeli premier also asked the Emirati president for what one source described as "moral support," the newspaper reported.

Netanyahu held an hour-long meeting with bin Zayed, the trip. Israeli public broadcasterKANreported that Netanyahu travelled on a private plane owned by an unnamed Israeli businessman and used by senior Israeli figures for international trips.

It departed Ben Gurion Airport in the afternoon and landed in Abu Dhabi at 3:10 pm (1110GMT), the broadcaster said. It took off for Israel at 7:10 pm (1510GMT), four hours later, and landed shortly after 10pm (1900GMT).

KANsaid Netanyahu had also used the aircraft for a trip to Abu Dhabi during the war with Iran. The visit comes after. Haaretzthis monthreportedthat bin Zayed had warned Netanyahu a week and a half before October 7, 2023, ​that Hamas was planning a major operation against Israel.

Haaretzhad reported that the warning was not passed to Israeli intelligence agencies or the military. Netanyahu, ​who denied the report and threatened legal action against the newspaper, is facing a tough reelection campaign. Opposition leaders have accused the prime minister of bearing responsibility for security failures that preceded.

Hamas' October 7 attack. Read:Netanyahu warned by UAE president before October 7 events, failed to brief security chiefs: Haaretz