Growing Closer: Israel Sends Iron Dome to UAE to Counter Iran
REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, TEL AVIV – Relations between the United Arab Emirates and Israel are growing ever closer. The Zionist state is reportedly sending Iron Dome anti-missile batteries and personnel to operate them to the United Arab Emirates to defend the country from Iranian retaliation.
US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee revealed this, underscoring the developing defence relations between Israel and the UAE. Huckabee, a Baptist pastor, former governor of Arkansas, and former presidential candidate, made the comments on stage at an event in Tel Aviv, Israel.
“I want to thank the United Arab Emirates, the first member of the Abraham Accords,” Huckabee said at the Tel Aviv Conference. “Look at the benefits. Israel has just sent them Iron Dome batteries and personnel to help operate them.”
The United Arab Emirates, a federation of seven kingdoms on the Arabian Peninsula, diplomatically recognised Israel in 2020. The UAE did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Huckabee’s remarks.
Huckabee added that he is “very optimistic” that other countries in the region will soon join the Abraham Accords, the 2020 diplomatic recognition agreement that also includes the Gulf kingdom of Bahrain, to establish formal relations with Israel.
However, many Arab countries remain furious over Israel’s genocide following the 2023 Hamas attack. That genocide has razed the Gaza Strip and prompted Iranian allies to carry out attacks in the wider Middle East. Israel now also controls territories in Lebanon and Syria.
“Gulf countries now understand that they must make a choice – whether they are more likely to be attacked by Iran or Israel?” Huckabee asked. “They see that Israel helps us and Iran attacks us. Israel does not try to take over your land, and does not launch missiles at you.”
Huckabee’s statements coincide with reports that the United Arab Emirates has secretly bombed Iran during the war launched by the Israeli and US occupation against the Islamic Republic. This marks a significant and previously undisclosed increase in the involvement of Gulf states in that war.