Secret Bennett-MBZ Meeting: Is the UAE Shaping Israel’s Post-Netanyahu Era?
A secret meeting between Naftali Bennett and UAE’s Mohammed bin Zayed raises speculation about Abu Dhabi’s role in Israel’s post-Netanyahu future.
Watan-In a significant development reflecting shifts in Israel’s political landscape and the secretive ties between Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv, media sources have revealed an undisclosed meeting between former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and Abu Dhabi’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed. The three-hour meeting, held inside the presidential palace, comes at a time when Israel is experiencing an unprecedented political crisis and a significant decline in Benjamin Netanyahu’s popularity—opening the door to potential succession scenarios.
Although no official confirmation of the meeting has been issued, the Israeli news site Walla suggested that details could emerge soon, amid speculation that the UAE is preparing for a post-Netanyahu era by strengthening ties with his potential rivals.
Why Did Bennett Choose Abu Dhabi?
Bennett, who served as Israel’s prime minister from 2021 to 2022, had previously announced his retirement from politics but has continued to comment on Israeli affairs, making him one of the key figures who could make a strong political comeback.
Historically, the UAE has been one of Bennett’s closest regional allies. He was the first Israeli prime minister to visit Abu Dhabi publicly in December 2021, following the signing of normalization agreements between the two sides. His latest secret visit comes as Israeli polls suggest that Bennett is the only political figure capable of defeating Netanyahu if he decides to return through a new political party.
UAE’s Influence on Israel’s Leadership Transition
The meeting raises several questions about the UAE’s role in shaping Israel’s political future, particularly as Netanyahu faces mounting opposition due to the ongoing war on Gaza and his government’s military and political setbacks.
Normalization: Between Public and Private Diplomacy
The UAE, the first Arab country to normalize ties with Israel under the Abraham Accords, has become one of Israel’s key economic and military backers. While many Gulf nations have distanced themselves from public engagement with Israel following the Gaza war, Abu Dhabi has continued to host Israeli officials regularly—both openly and behind closed doors.
Will the coming days bring surprises in Israel’s political scene? Is the UAE acting as a mediator to facilitate a leadership transition in Tel Aviv? One thing is certain: the alliance between Israel and Abu Dhabi has gone beyond public normalization to joint political maneuvering, as evidenced by these ongoing secret meetings.
