Daijiworld Media Network - Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi, May 1: Ties between Israel and the United Arab Emirates have strengthened significantly following the recent conflict involving Iran, with reports of unprecedented military cooperation and shifting regional alignments.
According to officials, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu authorised the covert deployment of an Iron Dome interceptor system to the UAE during the conflict, marking the first known instance of Israeli troops operating such a system on foreign soil, particularly in an Arab nation.
The move followed a request from UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan amid Iranian attacks linked to the wider US-Israel conflict with Tehran. The deployment reportedly helped intercept multiple incoming threats, highlighting deepening security cooperation between the two countries.
The evolving relationship builds on the Abraham Accords, under which the UAE normalised ties with Israel in 2020. Officials say the recent conflict has accelerated this partnership, with both nations viewing Iran as a shared strategic threat.
UAE authorities have also expressed disappointment with traditional Arab allies over their response during the conflict. Adviser Anwar Gargash publicly criticised the lack of support from regional partners, including members of the Arab League and Gulf states.
The shifting dynamics come amid broader geopolitical changes, including the UAE’s recent decision to exit OPEC after nearly six decades. Analysts view the move as part of a wider strategic recalibration, potentially aligning the UAE more closely with Western nations and Israel.
Officials noted that cooperation between Israel and the UAE now extends beyond defence to areas such as trade, technology, tourism and intelligence-sharing. However, limits remain, with Israel reportedly unable to fully meet additional defence requests due to its own security requirements.
Experts say the conflict has accelerated the UAE’s reassessment of its regional role, with growing indications that it may distance itself from traditional alliances while strengthening ties with strategic partners like Israel and the United States.