US Ambassador to the Israeli occupation, Mike Huckabee, has openly urged Gulf states to align themselves with Israel against Iran, arguing that the recent war demonstrated the strategic value of normalising ties with Tel Aviv.
Speaking during a press conference in Tel Aviv, Huckabee praised the UAE as a model for the benefits of the Abraham Accords and called on Gulf governments to examine what he described as the “advantages” Abu Dhabi gained through its relationship with Israel.
“Choose a Side”
During the conference, Huckabee directly challenged Gulf states to take a clear political position in the regional confrontation between Iran and Israel.
“Choose a side. Which side will you choose?” he said.
The American envoy claimed that Gulf governments now recognise they must decide whether they are more likely to face attacks from Iran or from the Israeli occupation.
“Look around you,” Huckabee stated. “Israel helped us, and Iran attacked us.”
He further argued that the war had proven that Israel is not the Gulf’s “natural enemy”, claiming that the occupation does not seek to destroy Gulf states, seize their territory, or launch missiles against them.
Ignoring Israeli Aggression in the Region
Huckabee’s remarks drew criticism for ignoring the broader reality of Israeli military aggression across the region, as well as Tel Aviv’s longstanding expansionist rhetoric.
The US envoy has previously voiced support for the “Greater Israel” project, describing it as a legitimate Jewish right despite the fact that such ideological visions involve the territorial fragmentation of several Arab states.
His latest comments also avoided mentioning Israel’s previous missile strike on Qatar during operations targeting a Hamas delegation in Doha.
Iron Dome Systems Sent to UAE
On Tuesday, Huckabee confirmed that the Israeli occupation had sent Iron Dome defence batteries and operational crews to the UAE during the war.
Speaking during the same conference, he said: “Tel Aviv sent them Iron Dome batteries because there is an exceptional relationship between the UAE and Tel Aviv built on the Abraham Accords.”
The comments further highlighted the deepening military and security coordination between the UAE and Israel amid escalating regional tensions and fears of renewed confrontation with Iran.
