Two Israeli officials and a US official have revealed that in order to help defend against Iranian attacks, Israel has uncommonly deployed an “Iron Dome” missile defense system to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the early stages of the war.
According to a report by Axios on Sunday, Israel’s cooperation with the UAE in the military, security, and intelligence sectors has reached a new high, as Israel has never before deployed the “Iron Dome” system to another country during previous conflicts.
Since the outbreak of the Iran war, the UAE has suffered more Iranian attacks than any other country in the region, prompting the country to seek assistance from allies.
The UAE Ministry of Defense stated that Iran has launched approximately 550 ballistic and cruise missiles at the UAE, as well as deployed over 2,200 drones. The majority of Iran’s missiles and drones have been intercepted.
Israeli officials mentioned that following a phone call with UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the Israeli Defense Forces to send an “Iron Dome” defense system to the UAE. The system is equipped with interceptor missiles and dozens of IDF personnel.
A senior Israeli official stated that this is the first time Israel has deployed the “Iron Dome” defense system to another country, and the UAE is the first country, besides the US and Israel, to use this system.
Another Israeli official mentioned that the system intercepted dozens of Iranian missiles.
Additionally, the Israeli Air Force conducted multiple airstrikes, destroying short-range missile deployments in southern Iran that could have targeted the UAE and other Gulf countries.
Axios reported that the deployment of Israeli forces on UAE territory in the Gulf region could raise political sensitivities. However, UAE officials stated that the war with Iran has shifted the mindset of many UAE citizens. An official said that anyone who protects the UAE from Iranian attacks, even if it is Israel, will be praised by the UAE people.
However, Netanyahu’s decision may face criticism from opponents within Israel, as the country is also experiencing intense artillery attacks.
Israel and the UAE signed a peace treaty in 2020. Despite some disagreements on issues including Gaza since then, officials from both Israel and the UAE have stated that their current partnership is unprecedentedly close.
Former UAE National Security Council official Tareq al-Otaiba, in an article published by the Arabian Gulf States Institute (AGSI), stated that Israel is one of the countries that has “stood up and provided tangible assistance” to the UAE.
He said, “The US and Israel have demonstrated themselves as true allies by providing extensive military aid, intelligence sharing, and diplomatic support.”
A senior UAE official expressed gratitude for the assistance provided by Israel and Netanyahu at a crucial moment, saying, “We will never forget.”
Another UAE official also mentioned that other countries that have stepped up to help the UAE defend itself, such as the US, France, UK, Italy, and Australia, also deserve recognition.
The UAE official commented, “This is truly an eye-opening moment that has shown me who our true friends are.”