Israel's transportation minister confirmed the deployment of an Iron Dome battery to the UAE early in the conflict with Iran. This marks the first public acknowledgement by an Israeli official of the missile defense system's presence in the Gulf nation, which has faced numerous Iranian attacks.
The confirmation of Israel's Iron Dome deployment to the UAE signifies a significant escalation in regional security cooperation and a direct response to Iranian aggression, highlighting the evolving geopolitical landscape in the Middle East.
Israel deployed an Iron Dome missile defense battery and personnel to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) early in the conflict with Iran, according to Israeli officials. Transportation Minister Miri Regev publicly confirmed the move, marking the first such acknowledgement from an Israeli official. The deployment was previously reported by Axios and confirmed by US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee.
Huckabee lauded the UAE's relationship with Israel, calling Abu Dhabi an "example" of strong ties between the nations, particularly in light of the Abraham Accords. He revealed that Israel sent the Iron Dome batteries and personnel to help operate them, emphasizing the "extraordinary relationship" between the two countries. The UAE has been a significant target in the conflict, with its defense ministry reporting as many as 550 Iranian missiles and 2,200 drone attacks.
Amid the ongoing conflict, Huckabee urged Gulf states to "pick a side" between the US/Israel and Iran, stating that Iran is the aggressor. This confirmation of the Iron Dome deployment underscores the deepening security cooperation between Israel and the UAE in the face of regional hostilities.