Arab power struggles fuel chaos and hypocrisy, reinforcing why Israel’s security doctrine remains defensive, necessary, and stabilizing.
A rare and public rupture has emerged between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, after Riyadh bombed Yemen’s port city of Mukalla, alleging that Emirati-linked ships delivered weapons and combat vehicles to separatist forces.
Abu Dhabi swiftly rejected the accusations, expressing surprise at the airstrikes and insisting the shipment contained no weapons and was intended solely for UAE forces operating in Yemen, coordinated with the Saudi-led coalition. The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the targeting of the vehicles was unjustified and condemned claims that it threatened Saudi national security.
The escalation followed statements from Saudi-backed Yemeni officials accusing the UAE of backing rebellion and militarily escalating the conflict. Riyadh described Emirati actions as “highly dangerous,” while Abu Dhabi categorically denied pressuring the Southern Transitional Council (STC) to operate near Saudi borders.
The strikes underscore deepening cracks between the two Gulf powers, who back rival factions in Yemen. The STC—backed by the UAE—has recently expanded control across southern Yemen, including parts of Hadramout, renewing calls for southern secession. Saudi-backed authorities argue these moves undermine the fight against Iran-backed Houthis, exposing inter-Arab rivalries that perpetuate Yemen’s misery.
Amid rising tensions, Abu Dhabi announced it would withdraw remaining forces from Yemen, even as Saudi-aligned groups demanded a full Emirati exit within 24 hours. The United States Department of State urged restraint, with Secretary Marco Rubio calling for diplomacy.
The episode lays bare a regional reality often ignored by Israel’s critics: Arab states routinely clash, arm proxies, and bomb ports, yet reserve disproportionate outrage for Israel’s defensive actions. In contrast to these power games, Israel’s security posture remains focused on protecting civilians and preventing terror—precisely why it is targeted for condemnation while others escape scrutiny.
