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Israel sent Iron Dome anti-missile batteries and personnel to UAE: US envoy
TL;DR
Israel has deployed Iron Dome anti-missile batteries and personnel to the UAE to counter Iranian threats, as confirmed by US envoy Mike Huckabee. This move underscores the strengthening ties between Israel and the UAE following the Abraham Accords.
Key points
- Israel deployed Iron Dome batteries to the UAE
- Personnel were sent to help operate the batteries
- Move aims to counter Iranian attacks
- Highlights strong Israel-UAE relations
- Confirmed by US envoy Mike Huckabee
Mentioned in this story
IsraelUnited Arab EmiratesIranMike Huckabee
US diplomat Mike Huckabee has revealed that Israel deployed Iron Dome batteries and “personnel to help operate them” to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to help fend off Iranian attacks.
The United States ambassador to Israel heaped praise on the UAE during an event in Tel Aviv on Tuesday, saying that Abu Dhabi serves as an “example” of strong ties between Israel and Gulf states.
“They were the first Abraham Accord member,” he said, referring to the agreements that established formal relations between Israel and several Arab countries in 2020.
“But look at the benefits that they have had as a result: Israel just sent them Iron Dome batteries and personnel to help operate them. How come? Because there’s an extraordinary relationship between the UAE and Israel.”
Several media outlets had reported on the deployment of the Iron Drone in the UAE over the past weeks. Huckabee’s comment offers the first official confirmation of the move, which highlights the deepening relationship between Israel and Abu Dhabi amid the war with Iran.
This is the first known instance of the advanced air defence technology – which has been funded by billions of dollars from the US government – being used outside Israel.
Previously, Israel refused to transfer Iron Dome batteries to Ukraine to shoot down Russian missiles.
The UAE and other Gulf countries have come under Iranian missile and drone strikes since the US and Israel started attacking Iran on February 28.
While Iran claims that it has been attacking US assets in the Middle East, regional countries have accused Tehran of targeting civilian sites, including airports, hotels and energy infrastructure.
UAE and Bahrain are the only two countries in the Gulf that have official ties with Israel as part of the so-called Abraham Accords.
On Tuesday, Huckabee called on Gulf states to “pick a side” between Israel and Iran.
“Israel is not your natural enemy. Israel is not out to destroy you. Israel is not trying to take over your land,” he said. “It’s not sending missiles into your civilian territories. Who’s doing that? Iran is.”
Last year, Israel launched major air strikes against the Qatari capital Doha, targeting Hamas’s leadership during the Gaza ceasefire talks.
Q&A
Why did Israel send Iron Dome batteries to the UAE?
Israel sent Iron Dome batteries to the UAE to help fend off Iranian attacks, highlighting their strong bilateral relationship.
What is the significance of the Iron Dome deployment in the UAE?
The deployment signifies the deepening military and diplomatic ties between Israel and the UAE amid ongoing tensions with Iran.
Who confirmed the deployment of Iron Dome to the UAE?
The deployment was confirmed by US diplomat Mike Huckabee during an event in Tel Aviv.
How does the Iron Dome contribute to UAE's defense?
The Iron Dome enhances the UAE's defense capabilities against missile and drone threats, particularly from Iran.
