Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed that he secretly visited the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to meet with President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed during the ongoing conflict with Iran. The visit reportedly took place in late March, coinciding with heightened military actions known as Operation Roaring Lion. Following this meeting, the UAE was reported to have conducted covert attacks on Iran, including a strike on a refinery on Lavan Island. In retaliation, Iran launched ballistic missiles and drones targeting the UAE and Kuwait, marking a significant escalation in regional tensions. During this period, Israel also provided the UAE with Iron Dome anti-missile batteries and personnel, further highlighting the military collaboration between the two nations.
Why It Matters
This development underscores the growing military and diplomatic collaboration between Israel and the UAE, particularly in the context of their shared concerns regarding Iran’s influence in the region. The UAE was the first Arab nation to normalize relations with Israel through the Abraham Accords, signed in 2020. This agreement has facilitated increased military cooperation, including the recent deployment of Israel’s Iron Dome systems to the UAE. The conflict with Iran has led to a series of escalating tensions, with Iran reportedly conducting over 2,800 missile and drone attacks on the UAE, demonstrating the precarious nature of security in the Gulf region and the implications of these alliances.
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