The Israeli newspaper Maariv has claimed that the United Arab Emirates and the Israeli occupation emerged from the recent war with Iran with a stronger relationship than ever before, describing the growing partnership as a strategic alliance aimed not only at Tehran but also at countering Turkish influence across multiple regional fronts.
According to the report published on Wednesday, Abu Dhabi was left deeply disappointed by what it viewed as a lack of support from neighbouring Gulf allies after bearing the impact of Iranian attacks during the conflict.
At the same time, the UAE reportedly acknowledged and welcomed military support it received from the Israeli occupation during the war.
Military Cooperation Reaches New Levels
The newspaper noted that former US Defence Secretary James Mattis had previously described the UAE as “Little Sparta”, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared during a controversial speech in September 2025 that the Israeli occupation should become the “Greater Sparta” of the Middle East.
According to the report, the alliance between both sides has now brought that vision closer than ever.
The newspaper stated that military cooperation reached unprecedented levels during and after the war, revealing that Israeli air defence systems had been deployed inside the UAE.
These reportedly included the Iron Dome missile defence system, the newly developed “Magen Or” laser system, and advanced drone detection technologies.
Report Claims UAE Targeted Iranian Oil Facility
The report also referenced an article published this week by The Wall Street Journal claiming that the UAE attacked an oil refinery on Iran’s Lavan Island in early April.
Nicholas Heras told The News Arab that the UAE has effectively become a “frontline state” for the Israeli occupation in confronting Tehran.
He described the relationship as “symbiotic”, explaining that Israeli forces are testing artificial intelligence based weapons systems and cyber capabilities in real time inside the UAE, giving them what he described as a practical operational testing ground.
In return, he said, the UAE receives an unprecedented level of technological protection.
Alliance Extends Beyond Iran
According to the report, the strategic alliance between the UAE and the Israeli occupation is not limited to confronting Iran, but also extends to other regional theatres including Yemen and the Horn of Africa.
Analysts cited by the newspaper argued that the partnership is also clearly aimed at countering Turkish influence and Islamic movements such as the Muslim Brotherhood, particularly in Somaliland and Sudan.
The report noted that Turkey continues expanding its military presence in Somalia, while the UAE and the Israeli occupation are simultaneously working to strengthen their influence across the region.
Growing Gulf Divisions
The newspaper added that the UAE’s increasingly public relationship with Israel comes amid growing tensions within the Gulf Cooperation Council.
While Saudi Arabia and Qatar reportedly continue favouring diplomatic engagement with Iran, the UAE has adopted what the report described as a more hardline and independent position.
The report claimed this divergence became particularly visible following the UAE’s withdrawal from OPEC.
Meanwhile, Tehran has not remained silent over these developments.
The newspaper pointed to recent remarks by Iranian conservative MP Ali Khazrian, who stated earlier this week: “We no longer view the UAE as a neighbouring state, but as a hostile base.”
