Abu Dhabi (QNN)- Israel sent an Iron Dome air defense system to the United Arab Emirates early in the assault with Iran, along with dozens of forces to operate it, according to Axios, citing two Israeli and US officials, marking the first time Israel had deployed an Iron Dome battery in another country and the first time the system was used outside Israel and the US.
According to the report, ICC-wanted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the deployment following a call with UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed, as Tehran targeted neighbors hosting US military assets.
Israeli officials told Axios that the system intercepted dozens of Iranian missiles.
A senior Israeli official said this marked the first time Israel had deployed an Iron Dome battery in another country, and the first time the system was used outside Israel and the United States.
The report said the scale of the attacks prompted the UAE to seek assistance from allies, with Israel providing both military hardware and personnel.
The deployment reflects deepening military and security cooperation between Israel and the UAE, which normalized relations in 2020, despite the ongoing genocidal Israeli war in Gaza.
A senior Emirati official said the country would not forget the support it received from Israel. Another official described the experience as "an eye-opening moment" that clarified which countries were willing to step in and provide assistance.
The US and Israel launched the assault on Iran on February 28, hitting nuclear, military and civilian sites. Iranian forces retaliated, launching attacks on Middle East countries where US troops are deployed, as well as Israel.
At least 3,375 people have been killed in US-Israeli attacks on Iran, according to Iran’s Ministry of Health. The victims were aged between eight months and 88 years. They included seven infants, 376 children and 496 women.
