Israel Reportedly Thwarts UAE Deal for Russian S-400 Missile Systems

Israel has reportedly intervened to prevent the United Arab Emirates from purchasing Russian S-400 missile defense systems from Turkey, according to a report by Turkish news outlet Haber 7. Jerusalem's concern was that such a deal would enable Ankara to have U.S. sanctions lifted and rejoin the F-35 fighter jet program. Negotiations between Turkey and the UAE regarding the S-400 systems are ongoing.

The acquisition of Russian S-400s has been a major point of contention between Turkey and the United States. Following Ankara's decision to buy the S-400s, Washington imposed sanctions on Turkey's defense industry and removed Turkey from the F-35 program. Turkey has been seeking a way to resolve this crisis with the U.S., including potentially selling the S-400 systems.

U.S. Ambassador to Turkey, David Satterfield, confirmed that discussions are underway concerning both the removal of sanctions and the "transfer" of the S-400 systems from Turkish control. The Haber 7 report suggests that the issue is far from resolved. While the possibility of selling the systems to a Gulf nation was raised in July, and later identified as the UAE, the deal has not yet been finalized.

According to the report, the obstacle was not with Russia, as understandings had been reached with Moscow to facilitate the sale. Instead, the difficulty arose after Israel approached the UAE, urging it not to complete the purchase. Israel views the deal as a potential pathway for Turkey to overcome its issues with Washington and thus sought to block it. The report claims Israel has succeeded in preventing the UAE from making a final decision on the acquisition thus far.

Meanwhile, Turkey is exploring alternative solutions, potentially with U.S. assistance, to resolve the dispute over the S-400 systems. Former U.S. President Donald Trump had previously expressed support for lifting sanctions on Turkey, stating in July that it was time to remove them from allies. It remains unclear if the S-400 issue was discussed during Trump's meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at the UN General Assembly, though previous reports indicated it was on the agenda.