Report: Israel Sent Iron Dome System and Troops to the UAE During War with Iran

SadaNews Translation - Two Israeli officials and an American official told Axios that Israel sent the Iron Dome air defense system to the United Arab Emirates with troops to operate it early in the war with Iran.

Israeli officials, according to SadaNews translation, stated that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the Israeli military to send an Iron Dome battery with intercepting missiles and dozens of military personnel following a phone call with UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed.

A senior Israeli official added that this was the first time Israel has sent an Iron Dome battery to another country, and the UAE was the first country outside of the United States and Israel where the system was used.

Another Israeli official confirmed that the system intercepted dozens of Iranian missiles.

Israeli and Emirati officials stated that the two countries have been closely coordinating militarily and politically since the start of the war.
The Israeli Air Force also carried out several strikes to destroy short-range missiles stationed in southern Iran before they could target the UAE and other Gulf countries.

Deploying Israeli forces on Emirati territory could be politically sensitive in the Gulf.

However, Emirati officials stated that the war with Iran has changed the mindset of many in the UAE. One official mentioned that anyone seen as helping to protect the country from Iranian attacks would be viewed positively.

Meanwhile, Netanyahu's decision to share the air defense system with the Emiratis at a time when Israel itself was under heavy fire may provoke strong reactions within Israel.

Israel and the UAE signed a peace treaty in 2020. Despite having differences on issues including Gaza since then, Israeli and Emirati officials say the partnership is closer than ever at this time.

Tarik Al-Otaiba, a former UAE National Security Council official, wrote in an article for the Arab Gulf States Institute (AGSI) that Israel was among the countries that "took the initiative to provide real assistance to the UAE."

Al-Otaiba wrote: "Primarily, the United States and Israel have proven to be true allies by providing support through extensive military aid, intelligence sharing, and diplomatic support."

"We will not forget that," said a senior Emirati official about the assistance provided by Israel and Netanyahu at a critical moment.

Another Emirati official stated that this also applies to other countries that intervened and helped the UAE defend itself, such as the United States, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, and Australia.
"It was truly a revealing moment. To see who our true friends are," the Emirati official said.