An Israeli source familiar with the visit told CNN that Iran was the main issue on the agenda, an area where Israel and the UAE have deepened cooperation, including during the ongoing conflict involving Iran.

Netanyahu has not publicly confirmed the visit so far.

If confirmed, the trip took place exactly a month before Israel’s October 27 election and against the backdrop of heightened political controversy over media reports that claimed Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed had warned Netanyahu about a major Hamas operation days before the October 7, 2023, attack.

Netanyahu's office has denied the reports.

The issue has become politically sensitive in Israel ahead of the election, with opposition figures accusing Netanyahu of responsibility for security failures preceding the October 7 attack.

The UAE has not commented on the reports so far.