By Anietie anii-bassey
Israel has sent Iron Dome anti-missile systems along with personnel to operate them in the United Arab Emirates, marking the first publicly acknowledged deployment of Israeli military forces in the Gulf nation, according to the U.S. ambassador to Israel. The move underscores the deepening security partnership between Israel and the UAE, both of which view Iran as a significant regional threat.
The announcement comes as a fragile ceasefire remains in place in the ongoing conflict involving Iran, yet the risk of renewed hostilities persists. The narrow Strait of Hormuz, a strategic maritime chokepoint through which a large portion of the world’s oil supply passes, remains under Iranian influence, and stalled negotiations between Washington and Tehran continue to raise concerns of further escalation.
Mike Huckabee, a Baptist minister, former governor of Arkansas, and former presidential candidate, made the revelation while speaking at a conference in Tel Aviv. “I’d like to say a word of appreciation for the United Arab Emirates, the first Abraham Accord member,” Huckabee told attendees. “Just look at the benefits. Israel just sent them Iron Dome batteries and personnel to help operate them.”
The UAE formally recognized Israel in 2020 under the Abraham Accords, a landmark diplomatic agreement that also included Bahrain. The recognition drew immediate criticism from Iran, which has long opposed Israeli presence and influence in the region. While Tehran did not issue an immediate response to Huckabee’s remarks, the Iranian government has periodically claimed over the years that Israel maintains covert military and intelligence operations in the Emirates.
The acknowledgment of Israel’s deployment appears to have been deliberate. U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz made similar statements at an event in Jerusalem the previous evening, suggesting coordination between Washington, Abu Dhabi, and Tel Aviv.
The move comes amid continuing security concerns for the UAE, which has experienced missile and drone attacks linked to Iran despite the ceasefire. In response, the Emirates has worked to reassure international investors and the public that the country remains stable and open for business.
Additionally, authorities have shut down Iranian government-linked sites, reflecting a heightened focus on national security. The UAE has long been a hub for Iranian businesses and individuals seeking safe financial operations outside Iran.
On Thursday, Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi visited the UAE, where he toured an airbase alongside Emirati Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The base, which houses Egyptian pilots and Rafael fighter jets, represents another step in the public acknowledgment of foreign military cooperation within the Emirates. Sheikh Mohammed has historically been a strong supporter of el-Sissi, dating back to the Egyptian leader’s rise to power in 2013.
During his Tel Aviv address, Huckabee encouraged other Gulf states to follow the UAE’s lead in formalizing diplomatic relations with Israel under the Abraham Accords framework. He expressed optimism that additional countries in the region might soon join the agreement.
However, tensions remain high across the Middle East. Many Arab nations continue to oppose Israel’s military campaigns following Hamas’ 2023 attacks, which prompted a harsh Israeli response in Gaza and strikes against Iranian allies across the region. Israeli forces now maintain a presence in parts of Lebanon and Syria, further complicating regional dynamics.
Huckabee also emphasized the U.S. commitment to Israel and the broader Gulf region, framing the conflict with Iran as a choice for neighboring states.
“The Gulf states now understand they will have to make a choice — is it more likely they will be attacked by Iran or Israel?” he said. “They see that Israel helped us and Iran attacked us. Israel is not trying to take over your land, and is not sending missiles to you.”
The deployment of Israel’s advanced missile defense systems to the UAE represents a significant moment in Gulf security, illustrating the increasingly intertwined defense strategies of Israel, the UAE, and the United States in the face of Iranian threats. Analysts suggest that this move may signal a broader regional realignment as Gulf states navigate a volatile security environment.
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