Shin Bet chief David Zini met in the United Arab Emirates with former senior Fatah official Mohammed Dahlan, according to a report Tuesday by Kan News citing Israeli and regional sources.

The meeting has drawn attention because Dahlan has repeatedly been mentioned in international discussions as a leading candidate to play a major role in governing Gaza after the war.

Responding to the report, the Shin Bet issued a brief statement saying: “We do not comment on the schedule of the head of the service.”

Dahlan, once one of the most powerful figures in Fatah, previously headed the Palestinian Authority’s Preventive Security apparatus in Gaza. For years, he has lived in exile in Abu Dhabi.

In July 2024, The Wall Street Journal reported that American, Israeli, and Arab officials had identified Dahlan as the leading candidate to oversee Gaza in the postwar era.

At the time, Dahlan rejected the idea publicly. Speaking to Sky News Arabia, he said: “I have stated more than once my refusal to accept any security, ministerial or executive role, and I call for the formulation of a realistic and practical international work plan that will lead to the establishment of a Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital.”

Earlier this year, it was also reported that former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert met with Dahlan in Abu Dhabi.

The revelation comes weeks after reports surfaced that Shin Bet director David Zini made a rare and highly unusual visit to the UAE amid the ceasefire and rising tensions involving Iran, signaling increasingly close security coordination between Jerusalem and Gulf states.

The Wall Street Journal reported this month that Mossad chief Dedi Barnea also traveled to the UAE during the war with Iran.

According to the newspaper, Barnea visited the country at least twice during the 40-day conflict in order to coordinate security matters related to the fighting.

Arab officials and another informed source told the Journal that the secret visits took place during March and April.

{Matzav.com}