US Envoy Confirms Israel Deploys Iron Dome to UAE
Al Jazeera Staff
US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee confirmed that Israel has deployed Iron Dome missile defense systems and personnel to the UAE to help defend against Iranian attacks, marking the system's first operational use outside Israel. The move underscores deepening Israel-UAE ties under the Abraham Accords amid the Iran conflict.
Speaking at an event in Tel Aviv on Tuesday, US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee confirmed that Israel has deployed Iron Dome missile defense batteries and operating personnel to the UAE. The move is seen as a sign of deepening ties between Israel and Abu Dhabi amid the conflict with Iran.
“They are the first members of the Abraham Accords,” Huckabee said, referring to the 2020 agreements that established diplomatic relations between Israel and several Arab nations. “But look at the benefits they’re receiving: Israel just sent them Iron Dome batteries and personnel to operate them. Why? Because there is a special relationship between the UAE and Israel.”
Numerous media outlets had previously reported on the Iron Dome deployment in the UAE in recent weeks. However, Huckabee’s comments marked the first official confirmation. This is noted as the first time the advanced air defense system, which has been funded by the US government with billions of dollars, has been used outside Israeli territory. Israel had previously refused to transfer the Iron Dome to Ukraine.
The UAE and other Gulf states have faced missile and drone attacks from Iran since the US and Israel began airstrikes on Iran on February 28. While Iran claims to target US interests in the Middle East, regional countries accuse Tehran of striking civilian sites, including airports, hotels, and energy infrastructure.
At the event, Ambassador Huckabee urged Gulf states to “choose sides” between Israel and Iran. He argued that these nations should align with the US and Israel. “Israel is not your natural enemy. Israel is not trying to destroy you. Who is firing missiles at your civilian territory? That is Iran,” he said.
Despite being attacked by Iran, many Gulf states have not openly aligned with Israel and have taken no military response to Tehran’s strikes. Former Saudi Ambassador to the US, Prince Turki al-Faisal, explained the kingdom’s restraint. “If Israel’s plan to ignite a war between us and Iran succeeds, the region will plunge into chaos and devastation,” he wrote.
The UAE and Bahrain are the only two Gulf states with formal ties to Israel under the Abraham Accords. The UAE Foreign Ministry and the Israeli Government Press Office have not commented on the matter.
