“I’d like to say a word of appreciation for the United Arab Emirates, the first Abraham Accords member,” Huckabee said when asked about a potential expansion of the Abraham Accords.
“Just look at the benefits. Israel just sent them Iron Dome batteries and personnel to help operate them. How come? Because there’s an extraordinary relationship between the UAE and Israel.”
“On October 7, they were operating 17 flights a day between the Emirates and Israel. The following day, on the 8th, they maintained those 17 flights. They continued to do so while every other airline, including all US and European airlines, ceased operations into Israel. The UAE was the only nation whose planes continued to fly.”
Huckabee also implied that US President Donald Trump is likely to visit Israel before the upcoming elections.
“First of all, he has been awarded the Israel Prize, an incredible, prestigious honor. For those of us who understand what a significant achievement this is, we certainly encourage him to come,” he said.
He added, “Every time I talk to the President, I tell him, ‘Mr. President, you need to come to Israel, because you will be overwhelmed by the response of the Israeli people, their love for you and their appreciation.'”
Earlier reports in April suggested Israel had sent an Iron Dome system and dozens of IDF troops to the United Arab Emirates during Operation Roaring Lion.
Multiple Israeli officials stated at the time that the decision to send the Iron Dome battery and interceptors was made after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed (MBZ) over the phone.
This is the first instance of the Iron Dome being utilized operationally outside of the United States or Israel, though Singapore has previously reportedly purchased and received Iron Dome, and Romania is expected to do so as well.
Yonah Jeremy Bob and Goldie Katz contributed to this report.