Israel sent Iron Dome systems to UAE: US envoy
Israel has deployed Iron Dome air defense systems and personnel to the UAE to counter Iranian attacks, strengthening their relationship under the Abraham Accords.
- Israel's Iron Dome deployment to the UAE.
- The role of the Abraham Accords in regional defense.
- Iranian attacks targeting the United Arab Emirates.
JERUSALEM: Israel has sent batteries for its Iron Dome air defence system along with personnel to operate them to the United Arab Emirates, US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee said on Tuesday.
The batteries, which typically include radars and missile launchers, were sent to the UAE to help it defend against Iranian attacks, a source briefed on the matter told Reuters. Iran has targeted the UAE more than any other country during the war that began on February 28 with US and Israeli strikes on Iran, with Iran continuing to launch attacks at the UAE during the current truce.
“Israel just sent them (the UAE) Iron Dome batteries and personnel to help them operate them. How come? Because there’s an extraordinary relationship between the UAE and Israel based on the Abraham Accords,” Huckabee said at an event in Tel Aviv, referring to a 2020 deal that saw Israel establish ties with the UAE.
Israel has also supplied air defence systems to the UAE in the past. Senior Emirati official Anwar Gargash, an adviser to the country’s president, said on March 17 that Iranian attacks on its Arab neighbours would strengthen relations between Israel and those Arab states that have diplomatic ties with Israel.