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TEL AVIV: Israel sent Iron Dome anti-missile batteries and the personnel to operate them to the United Arab Emirates to defend the country during the Iran war, US Ambassador to the country Mike Huckabee said on Tuesday.Mike Huckabee’s comments underscore growing defense ties between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, countries that have long been suspicious of Iran because of the still-shaky ceasefire in the Iran war. However, the narrow Strait of Hormuz remains in Tehran’s grip and talks between the US and Iran appear to be at a standstill for the time being, increasing the risk of re-igniting conflict.Huckabee, a Baptist minister, former governor of Arkansas and one-time presidential candidate, made the remarks during an event in Tel Aviv, Israel.“I want to say a word of appreciation to the United Arab Emirates, a member of the first Abraham Accords,” Huckabee said at the Tel Aviv conference. “Just look at the benefits. Israel has sent Iron Dome batteries and personnel to help operate them.” he adds.The United Arab Emirates, a federation of seven sheikhdoms on the Arabian Peninsula, diplomatically recognized Israel in 2020.The UAE did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Huckabee’s acceptance.Huckabee said he was “very optimistic” that additional countries in the region would soon join the Abraham Accords, the 2020 diplomatic recognition deal that also included the Gulf Arab kingdom of Bahrain for formal ties with Israel.However, many Arab states are angered by Israel’s extensive military operations following Hamas’s 2023 attack on the country, including the leveling of the Gaza Strip and attacks by Iran’s allies across the wider Middle East. Israel now also controls territory in Lebanon and Syria.“The Gulf countries now understand they have to make a choice – is it more likely that they will be attacked by Iran or Israel?” Huckabee asked. “They see that Israel helped us and Iran attacked us. Israel is not trying to occupy your land, and is not sending missiles at you.”