Israel has deployed Iron Dome anti-missile batteries and personnel to the United Arab Emirates to assist in defending the country during the ongoing conflict with Iran, US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee confirmed on Tuesday.
Growing Defense Cooperation
Speaking at the Tel Aviv Conference, Huckabee highlighted the strengthening defense relationship between Israel and the UAE, both longstanding adversaries of Iran. The comments come as a fragile ceasefire in the Iran war continues to hold, though the strategic Strait of Hormuz remains under Tehran's control and US-Iran negotiations appear stalled, raising concerns of renewed hostilities.
“I’d like to say a word of appreciation for the United Arab Emirates, the first Abraham Accord member,” Huckabee stated. “Just look at the benefits. Israel just sent them Iron Dome batteries and personnel to help operate them.”
Diplomatic Context
The UAE, a federation of seven sheikhdoms on the Arabian Peninsula, normalized relations with Israel in 2020 under the Abraham Accords. The UAE has not yet commented on Huckabee's acknowledgment. The ambassador expressed optimism that more regional nations would soon join the accords, which also include Bahrain.
However, many Arab states remain angered by Israel's extensive military campaigns following the 2023 Hamas attack, which have devastated Gaza and targeted Iran's allies across the Middle East. Israel now holds territory in Lebanon and Syria.
“The Gulf states now understood they will have to make a choice — is it more likely they will be attacked by Iran or Israel?” Huckabee asked. “They see that Israel helped us and Iran attacked us. Israel is not trying to take over your land, and is not sending missiles to you.”
