Israel Developing An Air Defense Alliance In The Middle East

On June 21st, Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz stated that Israel is developing a regional air defence alliance sponsored by the United States. The announcement was the first time Israel has openly acknowledged a regionwide military alliance with Arab partners as part of its budding regional ties. 

Unveiling the newly titled Middle East Air Defense Alliance (MEAD) in a briefing to Israeli parliament’s Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee, Gantz claimed that such cooperation has already begun and found success. “Over the past year I have been leading an extensive programme, together with my partners at the Pentagon and in the U.S. administration, that will strengthen the cooperation between Israel and countries in the region.” Gantz held that MEAD was the “first element” of a shared vision “in the face of Iran’s attempts to attack the region’s countries using rockets, cruise missiles, and UAVs.” He asserted that the initiative is “already operative,” has “already enabled the successful interception of Iranian attempts to attack Israel and other countries,” and that it could be further strengthened by U.S. President Joe Biden’s visit to the region in July. 

Although it is seemingly only in its first stages, MEAD demonstrates authentic efforts toward the creation of international dialogue. From information sharing to full diplomatic relations, an alliance opens states to the realm of amicable discourse, which can lead to much greater things on the international stage. The development of connections and active attempts to further expand communication networks is the first step in the creation of more diplomatic processes. Moreover, the alliance seems to be united under efforts toward arms nonproliferation, at least regarding Iran. Efforts toward diplomacy and nonproliferation allow for comprehensive and amiable solutions to be sought regarding conflict.

Citing the country’s nuclear program and support of anti-Israel proxies across the region, Israel largely considers Iran an enemy. As tensions have accumulated regarding Iran’s nuclear program, Israel, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Iraq have all come under UAV or missile strikes that were claimed by or blamed on Iranian-backed militias. Meanwhile, Washington hopes that more cooperation, especially regarding security, would help enable the further integration of Israel and isolate Iran within the region. In recent years, Israel has formed a series of partnerships with other Gulf states threatened by Iran, and the program could allow for proximity connections with the U.S. to be made through normalization agreements with Israel. Forging full diplomatic relations with the U.A.E. and Bahrain in 2020, the U.S. is hopeful that Israel would continue these developments with Saudi Arabia. The transcript of Gantz’s statements, however, did not include the MEAD’s partner countries, procedures, or further details on its successes thus far. 

Whether it be a public or private alliance, a partnership which pursues solutions to international conflict is certainly beneficial. Expansion of communication between states in the Middle East will allow for the pursuit of understanding, comprehension, and diplomacy in the region. Nonproliferation, the means to mitigate regional issues, and avoidance of combative solutions to conflict are just a few of the potential benefits that could be experienced in the future of this alliance.

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