The Israeli prime minister’s office describes trip as a ‘historic breakthrough’ in relations with Gulf state.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu secretly visited the United Arab Emirates and met with the country’s president, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, the Israeli Prime Minister’s office said on Wednesday.

The Israeli prime minister met with President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed in the UAE, his office confirmed.

The announcement came just a day after the U.S. ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee revealed that Israel had sent Iron Dome air-defense weapons and personnel to operate them to the UAE.

The United Arab Emirates said Thursday it ‘denies reports’ that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu secretly visited the country, after Netanyahu’s office said he had met with the UAE president during the war with Iran.

By Andrea Shalal, Emily Rose and Timour Azhari WASHINGTON/JERUSALEM/RIYADH, May 13 (Reuters) - The U.S.-Israeli war in Iran loomed over U.S. President Donald Trump's visit to China on Wednesday, as signs emerged that the conflict is shifting alliances across the Middle East.

While the Iranian regime has been battling its external enemies, Israel and the United States, it has also been ramping up a deadly crackdown on those seen as the enemy within.