ISLAMABAD: Mossad Director David Barnea made at least two secret visits to the United Arab Emirates during the recent Israel-Iran conflict to coordinate wartime operations, according to informed sources.
The visits occurred in March and April 2026 as Israel conducted Operation Roaring Lion against Iranian targets.
Israeli and Emirati security cooperation expanded significantly throughout the conflict, covering missile defence systems and real-time intelligence sharing.
Reports indicate the UAE also carried out covert strikes on Iranian targets, including a precision attack on a refinery at Lavan Island in the Persian Gulf.
The Wall Street Journal, citing Arab officials and sources familiar with the matter, detailed these developments on May 12-13, 2026. Barnea’s trips focused on aligning operational plans between Israeli intelligence and UAE security agencies.
Israeli forces deployed an Iron Dome battery to the UAE — the first deployment of the system outside Israel or the United States — supported by IDF personnel. Additional systems, including Iron Beam and advanced Spectro surveillance radars, were integrated into UAE defences.
These assets helped intercept hundreds of Iranian projectiles aimed at Gulf targets.
UAE strike operations remained covert. The Lavan Island refinery attack in early April caused a major fire and disrupted production for weeks. Iranian officials described the incident as sabotage but stopped short of directly accusing the UAE.
The cooperation builds on the 2020 Abraham Accords that normalised relations between Israel and the UAE. Security ties, previously discreet, moved into active wartime coordination as Iranian missile and drone attacks threatened both nations.
Pakistani diplomatic sources monitoring the Gulf situation noted heightened concerns over regional escalation. Officials in Islamabad have called for de-escalation while maintaining engagement with key Gulf partners.
Defence analysts estimate that joint Israel-UAE intelligence efforts improved targeting accuracy and early warning capabilities by over 40 percent during peak conflict periods. Israeli officials reported intercepting more than 90 percent of incoming threats with layered defence systems.
The Lavan Island facility, a key oil export terminal, processes several hundred thousand barrels per day. Its temporary shutdown affected regional energy supply chains and contributed to short-term price volatility in Gulf markets.
UAE authorities have not publicly confirmed any strikes or the presence of Israeli defence systems on their soil. Israeli government spokespersons also maintained strategic silence on operational details.
Regional observers point to shared threat perceptions regarding Iran’s ballistic missile programme and proxy networks as the driving force behind the enhanced partnership.
The conflict saw Iran launch coordinated attacks on Israeli and Gulf infrastructure following Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites.
Multiple rounds of missile and drone exchanges occurred between mid-March and late April 2026. Casualty figures remained relatively contained due to effective defensive measures, though economic costs mounted.
Trade between Israel and the UAE, which exceeded $2.5 billion annually in recent years before the conflict, faced temporary disruptions but is expected to recover.
Defence cooperation extended beyond missile defence to joint cyber operations and maritime security in the Gulf and Arabian Sea.
Pakistani strategic circles view these developments as part of a broader realignment in West Asian security architecture. Officials emphasise Pakistan’s longstanding relations with both the UAE and Iran while advocating stability.
Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has reiterated Pakistan’s position that dialogue remains the only sustainable path to address regional tensions.
Military analysts suggest that the Israel-UAE coordination sets a precedent for future multilateral arrangements against common threats. However, such alignments risk further polarisation in an already volatile region.
The secret nature of Barnea’s visits highlights the sensitivity of these ties even after formal normalisation. Sources indicate additional high-level exchanges occurred through back channels.
Energy markets reacted with measured caution. Brent crude prices saw brief spikes above $85 per barrel following the Lavan attack before stabilising.
Reconstruction efforts at the damaged Iranian facility are underway, with estimates suggesting several weeks to months for full restoration of capacity.
Looking ahead, sustained Israel-UAE security cooperation could influence broader Gulf defence postures. Questions remain about long-term public disclosure of these arrangements and their impact on diplomatic balances involving other regional powers.
Further developments in Gulf-Israel relations are expected in coming months as both sides assess post-conflict security needs.