The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has strengthened its ties with Israel, with Tel Aviv deploying its powerful Iron Dome interceptor system to the Gulf nation to counter the Iran missile threat.
A report by US-based news outlet Axios revealed that Israel sent an Iron Dome air defence system with troops to operate it, citing two Israeli officials and one US official.
This marks the first time Israel has sent an Iron Dome battery to another country, with the UAE becoming the first country outside of the US and Israel where the system was used.
The deployment was reportedly made after UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who allegedly took the decision to deploy Iron Dome.
Alongside the deployment, the Israeli Air Force carried out multiple strikes targeting short-range missile positions in southern Iran, aiming to neutralise threats even before they could reach the UAE and other Gulf states.
The Iran-UAE tensions have effectively opened the door for Israeli troops to operate on Emirati soil, a move that would have been politically sensitive in normal circumstances.
