Five UAE military planes land in Israel over two weeks: report

Five Emirati air force planes have landed in Israel in the space of just two weeks, Israeli media reported on Thursday, as the UAE looks to enhance its defences against the Houthi rebels in Yemen.

An Emirati air force cargo plane landed at Israel's Netivim air base on Thursday, Israeli public broadcaster Kan reported.

The plane was one of five to have landed in Israel in the space of a fortnight, Itay Blumenthal, military correspondent for Kan said on Twitter.

The UAE has been looking to bolster its air defences since the Houthi rebels in Yemen conducted a drone and missile attack on Abu Dhabi in January that killed three people.

Israel had offered the UAE "any assistance" in security and intelligence after the attack.

But Israeli media reported that the UAE's request to purchase the Israeli Iron Dome and Magic Wand air missile defence systems were rejected in February.

The UAE has already purchased French fighter jets to boost its defences.

Israel and the UAE signed the US-brokered Abraham Accords to normalise ties in 2020.

Since then, the two countries have signed deals to collaborate in a host of sectors, including military, intelligence and security.

The Emirati air force chief visited Israel in October 2021, when Israel was conducting its largest-ever air drills with ally states.

Israel's air force chief visited the UAE a few weeks later.