Key takeaways: US envoy Mike Huckabee confirmed Israel has sent Iron Dome batteries and personnel to the UAE, which would be the system's first known deployment outside Israel. The move underscores deepening security cooperation between Abu Dhabi and Jerusalem amid regional missile and drone strikes attributed to Iran. Huckabee urged Gulf states to "pick a side," while many regional governments have so far refrained from direct military responses.
US Envoy Confirms Israel Deployed Iron Dome Batteries And Personnel To UAE — First Known Use Outside Israel
'Which side do you want to be on' US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee says, addressing Gulf states [File: Ohad Zwigenberg/AP Photo]
US envoy Mike Huckabee said Israel has deployed Iron Dome anti-missile batteries to the United Arab Emirates and sent "personnel to help operate them," in what he described as a sign of deepening security ties between Abu Dhabi and Jerusalem.
Speaking at an event in Tel Aviv, Huckabee praised the UAE as an "example" of strengthened relations between Israel and Gulf states since the 2020 Abraham Accords. "They were the first Abraham Accord member," he said, adding: "But look at the benefits that they have had as a result: Israel just sent them Iron Dome batteries and personnel to help operate them. How come? Because there’s an extraordinary relationship between the UAE and Israel."
Several media outlets had reported an Iron Dome deployment to the UAE in recent weeks; Huckabee's comments are the first official confirmation of the transfer. If accurate, this marks the first known instance of the US-funded Iron Dome system being used outside Israel.
The move comes amid a wave of missile and drone strikes attributed to Iran across the region after US and Israeli strikes against Iranian targets began on February 28, according to reporting. While Tehran says it has targeted US assets, a number of regional governments have accused Iran of striking civilian infrastructure including airports, hotels and energy facilities.
Context And Controversies
Israel has previously declined requests to transfer Iron Dome batteries to Ukraine to intercept Russian missiles, a decision that attracted international attention. Huckabee used his Tel Aviv remarks to urge Gulf states to "pick a side" in the confrontation between Israel and Iran, framing the choice as one between the US and Israel on one side and Iran and its "radical Shia fanaticism" on the other.
The envoy's comments come after several contentious episodes involving Israel and the wider region. Last year, Israeli strikes targeted locations in Doha, Qatar, during Gaza ceasefire talks; while senior Hamas leaders reportedly survived, six others — including a Qatari officer — were killed. In February, Huckabee also drew controversy after comments about a biblical concept of "Greater Israel," comments he later sought to clarify.
Despite being targeted by Iranian strikes, many Gulf states have publicly maintained restraint and avoided direct military responses. Prince Turki al-Faisal, Saudi Arabia's former ambassador to Washington, wrote in Asharq Al-Awsat that restraint aimed to prevent a broader war that would devastate the region and cost many lives.
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Israel’s Government Press Office did not immediately respond to requests for comment from Al Jazeera.
Help us improve.
