In a significant development regarding military collaboration, US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz has confirmed the deployment of Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This revelation marks the first official acknowledgment of the system’s use during recent hostilities involving Iranian missile threats.
Waltz made these remarks at an Independence Day event organized by the Israeli Mission to the UN in New York.
“We saw the UAE make use of the Iron Dome provided to it by Israel,” quoted Waltz, according to the Israel Hayom daily.
The confirmation of these remarks was substantiated to The Times of Israel by an attendee at the event.
Additionally, US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee confirmed the transfer of the Iron Dome system on Tuesday.
“Israel just sent (the UAE) Iron Dome batteries and personnel to help them operate them. This initiative arises from the extraordinary relationship between the UAE and Israel based on the Abraham Accords,” Huckabee stated at an event in Tel Aviv, referencing the 2020 agreement that established diplomatic ties between the two nations.
This deployment of an Iron Dome battery, along with personnel to manage it, was first reported last month by Axios and later confirmed to The Times of Israel by two Arab diplomats familiar with the situation.
This instance marks the first time the Iron Dome system has been sent to a country outside of Israel and the US, as reported by various Israeli and American officials.
Since the conflict escalated on February 28, officials from Israel and the UAE have indicated that the two nations are coordinating closely politically and militarily. Reports suggest that the Israeli Air Force has conducted strikes in southern Iran during this period to counter short-range missile threats directed at Gulf states.
Israel allegedly deployed an Iron Dome battery to the UAE early in the conflict and sent a contingent of troops to support its operation.
The conflict has led to Iran launching repeated attacks on the UAE, firing approximately 550 ballistic and cruise missiles and over 2,200 drones, according to the Emirati defense ministry. This has made the UAE the most targeted nation in the region, even more so than Israel.
Though most of the projectiles aimed at the UAE were intercepted, some did hit military and civilian targets, prompting Abu Dhabi to seek assistance from various allies. The UAE has also conducted military operations against Iran, joining the US and Israel in their efforts against the Islamic Republic, as noted in a report.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the deployment of the Iron Dome following a conversation with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, according to officials. Reports indicate that the system successfully intercepted numerous Iranian missiles. Last week, an unnamed source informed CNN that the battery had neutralized another missile aimed at the UAE.
A fragile ceasefire between Iran and the US has been in effect since April 8, as diplomatic negotiations are underway to resolve the conflict.
The normalization of relations between Israel and the UAE stemmed from the 2020 Abraham Accords, which were largely driven by the mutual concern over Iran’s actions.
Waltz noted during the Independence Day event that efforts related to the accords are progressing, with Israel’s relationships with its neighbors continuing to strengthen, as reported by Israel Hayom.
Reuters contributed to this report.
Key Takeaways
- Israel’s Iron Dome was confirmed to be deployed in the UAE to counter Iranian missile threats.
- This marks the first international deployment of the Iron Dome outside Israel and the US.
- The UAE reported that it faced significant missile attacks from Iran during the ongoing conflict.
- Both Israel and the UAE have engaged in military coordination since the conflict began.
- The 2020 Abraham Accords facilitated this strategic partnership between Israel and the UAE.
FAQ
Why was the Iron Dome deployed in the UAE?
The Iron Dome was deployed to help the UAE defend against missile threats from Iran during the recent conflict.
What is the significance of the Abraham Accords?
The Abraham Accords established diplomatic relations between Israel and the UAE, driven by shared security concerns, particularly regarding Iran.
How effective has the Iron Dome been in this deployment?
Reports indicate that the Iron Dome successfully intercepted numerous Iranian missiles targeting the UAE.
In conclusion, the deployment of the Iron Dome in the UAE highlights the evolving military cooperation between Israel and the UAE, reinforcing their partnership in the face of regional challenges. As both nations navigate a complex geopolitical landscape, their collaboration demonstrates a commitment to mutual security and stability.
