Knock, Knock: Not Just Netanyahu, Several World Leaders Paid Secret Visit To Another Nation | Check List

Last Updated:May 14, 2026, 13:00 IST

Although Israel and the UAE delivered contradictory statements, it is not the first time that reports of a world leader paying an unannounced visit to another nation have emerged

Weeks into the West Asia war, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu paid a secret wartime visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to hold a meeting with President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office.

“In the midst of Operation Roaring Lion, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu secretly visited the United Arab Emirates, where he met with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed", read the statement posted on ‘X’, adding the visit led to a “historic breakthrough" in ties between the two nations.

Hours later, the statement drew a swift response from Abu Dhabi, which said neither Netanyahu had visited the country nor any Israeli military delegation had been received in the UAE.

“The United Arab Emirates denies reports circulating regarding an alleged visit by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the UAE, or receiving any Israeli military delegation in the country," the country’s Foreign Ministry said.

Although Israel and the UAE delivered contradictory statements, it is not the first time that reports of a world leader paying an unannounced visit to another nation have emerged.

Worlds Leaders Who Paid Secret Visits To Different Nations

1. Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad paid a secret visit to Moscow in 2015, marking the first time he left his country since the civil war started in 2011, BBC reported.
2. Former US President Barack Obama often made surprise visits to Afghanistan, including his spontaneous trip to the country over Memorial Day weekend on May 25, 2014.
3. Obama’s predecessor, George W Bush, visited troops in Iraq in 2003, eight months after Saddam Hussein was overthrown during the US-led invasion of the country.
4. 1977 it was, when Egyptian President Anwar Sadat landed unannounced in Israel. He was welcomed by the then-Prime Minister Menachem Begin, reported BBC. 

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