JERUSALEM — May 13, 2026 : Israel and the United Arab Emirates reportedly expanded covert security and military coordination during the recent conflict with Iran, including intelligence sharing, missile defence cooperation, and joint operational planning, according to reports published on May 13, 2026.
A report by The Wall Street Journal, citing Arab officials and sources familiar with the matter, stated that David Barnea conducted at least two undisclosed visits to United Arab Emirates during March and April 2026. The visits reportedly focused on coordinating wartime operations linked to the conflict, referred to in some Israeli reports as Operation Roaring Lion.
The discussions reportedly involved intelligence coordination, missile defence integration, and planning for responses to Iranian military activity during the conflict. The cooperation represented one of the most extensive operational partnerships between Israel and the UAE since the signing of the Abraham Accords.
Reported Covert Strikes on Iranian Targets
During the conflict, the UAE reportedly carried out covert military strikes against Iranian infrastructure. One of the reported operations targeted an oil refinery on Lavan Island in early April 2026.
The refinery is considered a major Iranian energy facility and processes approximately 200,000 barrels of condensate per day. Reports stated that Emirati Mirage 2000-9 fighter jets conducted the strike, causing extensive fires and significant operational damage at the site. The facility was reportedly forced to suspend much of its production capacity for several months following the attack.
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not directly comment on the reported operation. However, officials referenced previous statements emphasizing the country’s right to defend its security interests against hostile actions.
According to regional reports, the strikes were conducted in response to repeated Iranian missile and drone attacks targeting Emirati civilian infrastructure and energy facilities during the conflict.
Missile Defence Cooperation
Following the reported strike on Lavan Island, Iran reportedly launched approximately 2,800 missiles and drones toward Emirati infrastructure and military targets. The escalation led to direct military coordination between Israel and the UAE in air and missile defence operations.
U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee stated that Israel deployed an Iron Dome air defence battery along with Israeli military personnel to the UAE during the conflict. The system was reportedly used to intercept incoming Iranian missiles and drones targeting Emirati territory.
The deployment marked the first reported operational use of the Israeli Iron Dome system and Israeli combat-support personnel on foreign soil. Israeli defence assistance to the UAE also reportedly included the Iron Beam laser-based defence system and the Spectro drone detection and surveillance platform.
Real-time intelligence sharing between Israeli and Emirati officials regarding Iranian missile launch preparations and drone operations was also reportedly conducted throughout the conflict.
Intelligence and Security Coordination
Israeli media reports further stated that David Zini also traveled to the UAE during the war to coordinate intelligence and internal security matters with Emirati counterparts.
The reported visits by Barnea and Zini highlighted the growing intelligence relationship between Israel and the UAE as both countries increased security coordination regarding Iran and regional military threats.
Neither Israel nor the UAE has officially confirmed the reported visits by Israeli intelligence officials or the UAE’s alleged involvement in strikes against Iranian targets. However, the reports indicate a significant expansion in operational defence cooperation between the two countries during the conflict.
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