UAE military officials 'visit Israel' amid growing ties

An Emirati military delegation is in Israel for an official visit, an Israeli media outlet reported, in the latest move that reveals the growing bond between Israel and the Gulf state.

News website i24 reported on Wednesday that Israeli air force officials hosted a military delegation from the UAE to review the performance of advanced US-made fighter jets.

"The extraordinary visit comes as the UAE seeks to purchase its own fleet of the advanced F-35 fighter jets, built by US defence giant Lockheed Martin," the report said.

It added that the visit comes "amid reports of a burgeoning Israeli-Gulf alliance against Iran".

Earlier this year, the US approved the sale of $270.4 million worth of military sales to the UAE.

The UAE is part of a Saudi-led military intervention Yemen that has devisiated the Arab world's poorest country.

Gulf states, in particular the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, are increasingly coming out in the open as allies to Israel as they find common cause against mutual foe Iran.

Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu frequently boasts of growing, discreet cooperation with moderate Arab countries.

Last month, the UAE reportedly invited an Israeli minister for an official state visit.