Part 2 of 2 Parts (Please read Part 1 first)
     Gantz said, “Everything possible must be done to preserve and expand the regional architecture – also vis-a-vis Iran, but not only. When you communicate with each other you have the ability to get to know each other, share abilities, and reach the level of joint exercises, intelligence sharing and more.” According to recent reports, Israel has sold the United Arab Emirates (UAE) at least two Israeli Barak air defense systems to defend against a range of aerial threats launched by Iran.
    Tactical Report covers events in the Gulf States and the Middle East. They presented satellite images of the batteries and an Elta EL/M-2048 radar deployed near the al-Dhafra airbase near Abu Dhabi. The batteries are the first of what could be a substantial contract for additional systems to protect sensitive sites that have been targeted by missiles and drones launched by Houthis rebels in Yemen.
     Israel and the UAE have collaborated covertly for years against Iran’s hegemony.  According to foreign report, they have improved their intelligence-sharing and military relations in order to be prepared for Iranian threats.
     Even prior to the normalization of ties with Gulf countries, Israel had begun talking about a regional air defense system to protect it from threats like Iranian drones and missiles. Once the ties were formalized with the signing of the Abraham Accords in 2020, Israeli officials started talking openly about a Middle East Air Defense system.
     According to Gantz, such a system is already operational and has successfully intercepted aerial threats. The alliance has reportedly brought together Israel and Arab states in the Middle East around a shared table in order to defend their countries from Iran and its proxies who have increased their attacks in recent years.
     After two and a half years as Defense Minister, Gantz is worried not only about the threat that Iran and terrorism by Palestinians pose to Israel but also the rise of extremism in the Jewish State.
      Gantz said, “We have an excellent army and a security system with amazing operational capabilities. When you call the IDF or the Ministry of Defense – they answer. But what really bothers me is not related to security, but the extremism in Israeli society. The extremism in society and in the government is what bothers me.” Gantz is expected to be replaced by Likud Member of the Knesset Yoav Gallant or Religious Zionism Chairman Bezalel Smotrich.
     Regardless of whoever takes that office after Gantz, they will be faced with six main strategic challenges, including strengthening internal security, governance, and unity. The incoming Defense Minister will also have to continue to develop national infrastructure in the Negeve and Galilee. In addition, they will also have to maintain Israel’s legitimacy in the international community and strengthen the relationship with the Diaspora.
     The foreign ministers of Israel, Bahrain, Egypt, Morocco and UAE, along with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, talked at the Negev Summit last month. A regional security axis with US backing is a realistic option.