Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer recently made a secret visit to the United Arab Emirates, accompanied by a diplomatic delegation. During the visit, Dermer met with top officials to discuss the ongoing war in Gaza and efforts to secure the release of hostages.

The visit comes amid heightened diplomatic activity, including a meeting between the President of the United Arab Emirates and Israel's Opposition Leader, which reportedly caused tension among allies of the Israeli Prime Minister.

Meanwhile, Hamas has accepted a hostage deal proposal brokered by Egyptian and Qatari mediators, which Israel has acknowledged. The proposed agreement would see the return of ten living hostages and eighteen deceased hostages over a sixty-day ceasefire.