DUBAI: Israel and UAE are strengthening their relationship amid Middle East conflict. A senior Israeli official told AFP that increased military cooperation and trade opportunities have been discussed.
Two Israeli delegations, including a transport ministry team, will visit the Gulf nation next week to explore a trade corridor connecting India, the Middle East, and Europe.
These visits mark the first since the war began on February 28 when the US and Israel launched an attack against Iran. This led to an Iranian backlash against nearby Gulf countries with US military bases.
The UAE’s aggressive stance has drawn closer ties with Israel, which views Iran as its main enemy. A senior Israeli official said this presents a chance for enhanced cooperation in both military and trade sectors.
The official did not confirm US statements that Israel provided Iron Dome air defense batteries and personnel to the UAE. Nor did they comment on a Wall Street Journal report suggesting the UAE carried out numerous strikes on Iran with Israel and the US’s coordination.
“Israel proved itself a true friend of the UAE when others didn’t,” said the official, who asked for anonymity. “The UAE has suffered greatly from the war, with tourism plummeting and energy exports falling as Iran blocks the Strait of Hormuz.”
Despite calls for ceasefire, the UAE insists on a comprehensive solution that goes beyond a truce to include Iran’s missile program and support for regional proxies.
“The UAE is very brave in its stance,” said the official. “They’re not just looking back at pre-attack times but forward to building stronger ties.”