Regev’s comments mark the first official confirmation by a serving member of Israel’s Security Cabinet that Israeli air defense systems were transferred to the UAE during the war.
By United with Israel Staff
Israel has publicly acknowledged for the first time that it deployed Iron Dome batteries to the United Arab Emirates during Operation Roaring Lion, confirming reports of unprecedented military cooperation between the two countries during the war with Iran.
Speaking to Army Radio, Transportation Minister and Security Cabinet member Miri Regev said the deployment reflected the growing security partnership between Israel and the UAE as both countries confronted the threat posed by Iranian ballistic missiles.
“They understood that ballistic missiles are one of the greatest challenges,” she said. “The Emirates are relying on us.”
Her comments mark the first official confirmation by a serving member of Israel’s Security Cabinet that Israeli air defense systems were transferred to the UAE during the conflict.
Earlier this year, reports indicated that Israel had supplied the UAE with multiple air defense capabilities, including an Iron Dome battery, advanced drone detection systems, and a version of its laser-based interception system, Iron Beam.
According to those reports, the Iron Dome battery intercepted dozens of Iranian missiles and drones, marking the system’s first known operational deployment outside Israel and the United States.
The conflict also reportedly led to an unprecedented level of military coordination between Israel, the UAE, and the United States.
During the war, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir made a covert visit to the Emirates to coordinate regional defense plans alongside American and Gulf military officials.
Israeli media also reported that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu secretly traveled to Abu Dhabi during the operation, where he met with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed in what officials described as a historic breakthrough in strategic cooperation.
The growing security partnership reflects the deepening ties between Israel and the Gulf states under the Abraham Accords, with shared concerns over Iran driving increasingly close defense coordination behind the scenes.
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