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

Prime Minister Netanyahu's secret UAE visit amid military operations signals a potential diplomatic breakthrough, as Hamas criticises ceasefire violations in Gaza.

The announcement comes just a day after U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee revealed that Israel had sent Iron Dome air-defense weapons to UAE along with personnel to operate them.

"During Operation 'Lion's Roar', Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu paid a secret visit to the United Arab Emirates, where he met with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan," his office said in a statement.