Israel says it is building a US-sponsored regional air defence alliance which has already foiled attempted Iranian attacks.
Defence Minister Benny Gantz unveiled the “Middle East Air Defence Alliance” in a briefing to Israeli politicians on Monday.
On the same day Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and Foreign Minister Yair Lapid agreed to dissolve parliament, with the latter to take over as prime minister.
Mr Gantz said the alliance could be boosted by President Joe Biden's visit next month.
Israel has offered defence co-operation to the US-aligned Arab states that share its concerns over Iran.
Washington hopes more co-operation, especially on security, will help to further integrate Israel in the region and isolate Iran.
Mr Gantz said co-operation with countries in the region was already under way.
“Over the past year, I have been leading an extensive programme, together with my partners at the Pentagon and in the US administration, that will strengthen the co-operation between Israel and countries in the region,” he said in an official transcript reported by Reuters.
“This programme is already operative and has already enabled the successful interception of Iranian attempts to attack Israel and other countries.”
The transcript did not name partner countries, give further details of the thwarted attacks or provide details on the mechanics of the alliance.
“I hope that we will take another step forward in this aspect (of regional co-operation) during President Biden’s important visit,” Mr Gantz said.
Mr Biden is visiting the region from July 13 to July 16 with stops in Israel and Saudi Arabia, where he will meet Arab leaders.
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Gothia Cup 2025
4,872 matches
1,942 teams
116 pitches
76 nations
26 UAE teams
15 Lebanese teams
2 Kuwaiti teams
Grand slam winners since July 2003
Who has won major titles since Wimbledon 2003 when Roger Federer won his first grand slam
Roger Federer 19 (8 Wimbledon, 5 Australian Open, 5 US Open, 1 French Open)
Rafael Nadal 16 (10 French Open, 3 US Open, 2 Wimbledon, 1 Australian Open)
Novak Djokovic 12 (6 Australian Open, 3 Wimbledon, 2 US Open, 1 French Open)
Andy Murray 3 (2 Wimbledon, 1 US Open)
Stan Wawrinka 3 (1 Australian Open, 1 French Open, 1 US Open)
Andy Roddick 1 (1 US Open)
Gaston Gaudio 1 (1 French Open)
Marat Safin 1 (1 Australian Open)
Juan Martin del Potro 1 (1 US Open)
Marin Cilic 1 (1 US Open)
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Fight card
1. Bantamweight: Victor Nunes (BRA) v Siyovush Gulmamadov (TJK)
2. Featherweight: Hussein Salim (IRQ) v Shakhriyor Juraev (UZB)
3. Catchweight 80kg: Rashed Dawood (UAE) v Khamza Yamadaev (RUS)
4. Lightweight: Ho Taek-oh (KOR) v Ronald Girones (CUB)
5. Lightweight: Arthur Zaynukov (RUS) v Damien Lapilus (FRA)
6. Bantamweight: Vinicius de Oliveira (BRA) v Furkatbek Yokubov (RUS)
7. Featherweight: Movlid Khaybulaev (RUS) v Zaka Fatullazade (AZE)
8. Flyweight: Shannon Ross (TUR) v Donovon Freelow (USA)
9. Lightweight: Mohammad Yahya (UAE) v Dan Collins (GBR)
10. Catchweight 73kg: Islam Mamedov (RUS) v Martun Mezhulmyan (ARM)
11. Bantamweight World title: Jaures Dea (CAM) v Xavier Alaoui (MAR)
12. Flyweight World title: Manon Fiorot (FRA) v Gabriela Campo (ARG)
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
