Israeli Cabinet Minister Admits To Covert Contacts With Saudi Arabia

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman presides over a meeting of the Council of Economic and Development Affairs in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, November 7, 2017. HANDOUT/REUTERS

Reuters: Israeli minister reveals covert contacts with Saudi Arabia

JERUSALEM/RIYADH (Reuters) - An Israeli cabinet minister said on Sunday that Israel has had covert contacts with Saudi Arabia amid common concerns over Iran, a first disclosure by a senior official from either country of long-rumoured secret dealings.

The Saudi government had no immediate response to Israeli Energy Minister Yuval Steinitz’s remarks. A spokesman for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also did not respond immediately to a request to comment.

Both Saudi Arabia and Israel view Iran as a main threat to the Middle East and increased tension between Tehran and Riyadh has fuelled speculation that shared interests may push Saudi Arabia and Israel to work together.

Saudi Arabia maintains that any relations with Israel hinge on Israeli withdrawal from Arab lands captured in the 1967 Middle East war, territory Palestinians seek for a future state.

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Update: Israel Gives Official Confirmation Of Covert Ties With Saudi Arabia (Zero Hedge)

WNU Editor: This is an upgrade from what Israel's top General said 3 days ago .... Israel Military Chief Of Staff: Israel Ready To Share Intelligence Information With Saudi Arabia On Iran (November 16, 2017). Bottom line .... this is a different world .... It’s a new world — where Israel shares intelligence with the Saudis (Jerusalem Post)