Emirati Writer to Avichay Adraee: ‘The UAE Will Respond to Any Threat from Yemen Affecting Your Security
Watan – Prominent Emirati writer and political analyst, Mahmoud Al-Balushi, ignited controversy with a tweet that displayed a clear form of “Zionism”, reflecting his country’s policies. He expressed solidarity with Avichay Adraee, the spokesperson for the Israeli army, asserting that the UAE would not stand idly by in the face of any threat from Yemen that might jeopardize Israel’s security. He proclaimed, “The UAE will not stand idly by against any threat from Yemen that affects the security and safety of the State of Israel… The response is near.”
This came in response to the interception by the American destroyer “USS Carney” of three cruise missiles and several drones launched by the Houthi group in Yemen. The Pentagon spokesperson, Patrick Ryder, stated that it was uncertain what the missiles’ target was, but it was likely aimed at targets in Israel.
Al-Balushi’s tweet was a reaction to a post by Avichay Adraee, in which he mentioned, “The US Central Command and ships of the Fifth Fleet intercepted several cruise missiles and drones launched from Yemen. This exemplifies the air defense structure established in this region in the Middle East. It demonstrates the American capabilities in the region… Israel possesses some of the best air defense capabilities in the world. They are ready to deal with such threats as well. The Israeli army and the US Central Command have high-level operational coordination, image crystallization, and cooperation capabilities.”
قامت القيادة المركزية للجيش الأمريكي وسفن تابعة للأسطول الخامس باعتراض عدد من الصواريخ الجوالة والطائرات المسيرة التي تم إطلاقها من اليمن. يشكل ذلك مثالاً على هيكلية الدفاع الجوي التي تم إنشاؤها في تلك المنطقة في الشرق الأوسط. ويدل اعتراض التهديد على القدرات الأمريكية في المنطقة.…
— افيخاي ادرعي (@AvichayAdraee) October 20, 2023
The tweet by Al-Balushi sparked widespread anger both within and outside the UAE. Many netizens expressed their disdain for what they perceived as Arab Zionists cozying up to Israel and displaying animosity towards Palestinians. This sentiment was especially evident during the “Al-Aqsa Torrent” operation carried out by the Palestinian resistance against the Israeli occupation.
