Relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates are strengthening in the aftermath of the recent Middle East war, with increased military cooperation and expanding economic opportunities, according to a senior Israeli official.

Speaking to AFP on condition of anonymity, the official said two Israeli delegations are scheduled to visit the UAE next week. One delegation from Israel’s Transportation Ministry is expected to discuss plans for a major trade corridor connecting India, the Middle East, and Europe.

The visits will mark the first official Israeli delegations to the UAE since the war erupted on February 28, when the United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran, triggering retaliatory attacks across the region.

The official said weeks of Iranian drone and missile attacks prompted a more hawkish stance from the UAE and brought the Gulf nation into closer alignment with Israel.

“This presents an opportunity to enhance ties. We believe in this market. We believe people should come. There’s a lot of opportunity for cooperation,” the official said.

“The enhancement in cooperation will grow further, not only in military cooperation,” the official added.

While declining to confirm reports that Israel deployed Iron Dome batteries and personnel to the UAE, the official praised the growing partnership between the two countries.

“Israel proved itself a true friend of the UAE when other countries didn’t. Israel came to stand side-by-side… in a country like the UAE, it matters,” the official said.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)