Israel has sent Iron Dome air defense batteries and trained military personnel to the United Arab Emirates to help the country defend against Iranian attacks. U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee announced the move on Tuesday, noting that the deployment is a result of the extraordinary relationship between the two nations based on the 2020 Abraham Accords.
During an event in Tel Aviv, Ambassador Huckabee praised Abu Dhabi and called on other Gulf states to pick a side in the war between Israel and Iran. A source briefed on the matter confirmed that the air defense systems were sent to assist the UAE in defending itself during the war.
Iran has targeted the UAE more than any other country since the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran began on February 28, continuing its attacks during the current truce. The United Arab Emirates has retaliated against these attacks on its territory, coordinating its responses with Israel as the two countries continue to deepen their security ties.
Anwar Gargash, an adviser to the UAE president, stated on March 17 that Iranian attacks on Arab neighbors would strengthen relations between Israel and those Arab states that have diplomatic ties with Israel.