Report: Saudi Fighter Jets Helped Israel Strike Pro-Iran Militias On The Syria-Iraq Border

Royal Saudi Air Force F-15's fly with US Air Force F-15's. (photo credit: HANDOUT/REUTERS)

Jerusalem Post: Saudis, Israel attack pro-Iran militias on Syria-Iraq border - report

"Saudi fighter jets have been spotted along with other fighter jets that have attacked facilities and positions belonging to Iranian militias."

Both Israel and Saudi Arabia have been blamed for recent air strikes targeting pro-Iranian militias in the Albukamal area of Syria near the border with Iraq, according to Arab media. The attacks resulted in a number of deaths and injuries and the destruction of weapon storage facilities and rocket launchers.

"Saudi fighter jets have been spotted along with other fighter jets that have attacked facilities and positions belonging to Iranian militias," said an unnamed source to the Independent in Arabic. The attacks targeted positions belonging to the Quds force of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps in Albukamal and other areas near the Iraq-Syria border.

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More News On Reports That Saudi Fighter Jets Helped Israel Strike Pro-Iran Militias On The Syria-Iraq Border

Saudi jets helping Israel strike pro-Iran militias on Syria-Iraq border -- Middle East Monitor
Iraqi official: Unidentified warplanes strike Syrian militia base near Iraq border -- YNet News
Report: Drones Attacked Ammunition Facilities of Iran-backed Militia on Iraq-Syria Border -- Haaretz
Saudi fighter jets strike pro-Iran militias in eastern Syria -- Tracking Persia/Al Arabiya

Is An Israeli PM Netanyahu And Saudi Crown Prince Salman Summit In The Works?

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman in Saudi Arabia on 16 June 2018 [Saudi Press Agency]

Middle East Eye: Bin Salman reportedly considering ‘Camp David-style’ handshake with Netanyahu

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman is reportedly “seriously considering” a Camp David-style summit meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, hosted by US President Donald Trump, according to Middle East Eye.

The report, citing Saudi sources, says Bin Salman asked an “emergency task force he created to deal with the fall-out from the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi to look at the idea.”

The plan is to present Bin Salman “as a breakthrough Arab peacemaker in the mould of the former Egyptian leader Anwar Sadat,” the report added.

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Update: Report: MBS mulling public Netanyahu meeting to counter Khashoggi fallout (Times of Israel)

WNU editor: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman is no Anwar Sadat, but if such a summit does occur, it would definitely dominate the world news cycle for a week.

Israel Sold $250 Million Of Sophisticated Spy Systems To Saudi Arabia

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman. (photo credit: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM/REUTERS)

Jerusalem Post: Report: Israel sold $250m. of sophisticated spy systems to Saudi Arabia

These are the most sophisticated systems Israel has ever sold to any Arab country.

Saudi Arabia and Israel held secret meetings which led to an estimated $250-million deal, including the transfer of Israeli espionage technologies to the kingdom, Israeli media reported on Sunday, citing an exclusive report by the United Arab Emirate news website Al-Khaleej.

Some of the spy systems, which are the most sophisticated systems Israel has ever sold to any Arab country, have already been transferred to Saudi Arabia and put into use after a Saudi technical team received training in operating them, the report added.

The exclusive report also revealed that the two countries exchanged strategic military information in the meetings, which were conducted in Washington and London through a European mediator.

Such cooperation would not be the first of its kind between Israel and Saudi Arabia.

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WNU Editor: I guess Israel made the decision to not have the Jamal Khashoggi murder interfere with their Saudi military deals and arrangements.

Did Israel Just Sell Its Iron Dome Missile Defense System To Saudi Arabia?

Iron Dome testing . (photo credit: MINISTRY OF DEFENSE SPOKESPERSON'S OFFICE)

Jerusalem Post: Saudi Arabia reportedly purchases Iron Dome missile system, Israel denies

Reportedly, the deal was mediated by the United States, which included further plans to reach an agreement on broad military cooperation between the two countries. Defense Ministry denied the claims.

Saudi Arabia has purchased the Iron Dome missile defense system from Israel to defend itself from missile attacks by Houthi rebels in Yemen, the Emirati news website Al-Khaleej reported on Thursday.

Reportedly, the deal was mediated by the United States, which included further plans to reach an agreement on broad military cooperation between the two countries.

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Update #1: Israel sells Saudi Arabia Iron Dome (Arutz Sheva).
Update #2: Saudi Arabia buys Iron Dome defence system from Israel (Middle East Monitor)

WNU Editor: Here are some Israeli denials on these reports .... Israel denies report that Saudi Arabia purchased Iron Dome (Times Of Israel). More here .... Israel Denies Reports Saudi Arabia Purchased Iron Dome Missile Defense Systems (Haaretz). As to what is my take. I would be shocked if these reports of a sale are true.

Israel Wants A Railway Linking Haifa Seaport With Saudi Arabia

Government officials taking part in a test ride on a new train route near the northern city of Carmiel on March 21, 2017 (Basel Awidat/Flash90)

Times of Israel: Israel to begin promoting railway linking Haifa seaport with Saudi Arabia

Transportation minister says he has begun consulting with leaders of relevant countries regarding plan that would give Gulf easier access to Europe.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Transportation Minister Israel Katz agreed this week to begin promoting their “Tracks for Regional Peace” initiative that is intended to create a trade route connecting Europe with the Persian Gulf and Israel, Hadashot news reported Saturday evening.

“Tracks for Regional Peace” is based on the planned extension of railway tracks in northern Israel, which would link Haifa’s seaport to Jordan’s rail network, which in turn will be linked with that of Saudi Arabia and other Sunni Arab states.

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WNU Editor:  This is not receiving the news attention that it deserves.

An Israel-Bound Flight Flew Over Saudi Arabian Airspace For The First Time In 70 Years

Business Insider: An Israel-bound flight flew over Saudi Arabian airspace, making history between two countries that still don't have diplomatic relations

* A maiden commercial flight between New Delhi and Tel Aviv flew over Saudi airspace on Thursday evening, marking a historic shift in diplomacy between Israel and Saudi Arabia.
* AirIndia flight 139 flew over Saudi Arabia for approximately three hours, coming within 37 miles (60 kilometers) of the capital city Riyadh.
* Israel and Saudi Arabia have no diplomatic relations, although there have been major signs of warming ties.

A maiden commercial flight between New Delhi and Tel Aviv flew over Saudi airspace on Thursday evening, marking a historic shift in diplomacy between Israel and Saudi Arabia.

Currently, Israel and Saudi Arabia have no diplomatic relations, although signs of warming ties between the Middle East powers have become frequent. This most recent move has ended a 70-year ban on planes marked for Israel flying over Saudi Arabian airspace.

AirIndia's Boeing 787 Dreamliner left New Delhi at 6 p.m. local time, and flew over Saudi Arabia for approximately three hours, coming within 37 miles (60 kilometers) of Riyadh, Reuters reported.

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Update: Israel-bound plane flies over Saudi Arabia for first time (The Guardian)

WNU Editor:It was not an El Al plane (the plane was an Air India carrier) .... but it is a small step for change.

Commentaries And Analysis On The Growing Ties Between Israel And Saudi Arabia

Prince Turki Al Faisal, a former Saudi intelligence chief, with Efraim Halevy, a former Israeli Mossad director with others at the Temple Emanu-El Strieicker Center in New York City on October 22, 2017 [James Reinl/Al Jazeera]

Jonathan Marcus, BBC: Israel and Saudi Arabia: What's shaping the covert 'alliance'

To all intents and purposes, Saudi Arabia and Israel are de facto allies in the struggle against Iran's rising influence in the region. It's a developing, but highly sensitive relationship, but every so often there is a hint of what may be going on beneath the surface.

Last week Israel's Chief of Staff, General Gadi Eisenkot, said in an interview with UK-based Saudi newspaper Elaph, that Israel was ready to exchange intelligence with the Saudis in order to confront Iran.

"There are shared interests and as far as the Iranian axis is concerned we are in full accord with the Saudis," he said.

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WNU Editor: The Iranians are bringing about some interesting alliances .... Iran Sees Its Rivals Uniting as Israel Talks Up Saudi Ties (Bloomberg)

Commentaries And Analysis On The Growing Israeli - Saudi Arabian Ties

More Evidence Saudi Arabia Is Warming to Israel -- Elliott Abrams, Newsweek
What is behind the covert Israeli-Saudi relations? -- Linah Alsaafin, Al Jazeera
Sadat to Salman: Israel at the expense of Palestine -- Marwan Bishara, Al Jazeera
The Saudi-Israeli relationship status remains unchanged -- Arab News
Saudi Arabia's Jew-hating Founder Would Be Shocked by His Kingdom's Public Flirtation With Israel -- Seraj Assi, Haaretz

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)

Israel Military Chief Of Staff: Israel Ready To Share Intelligence Information With Saudi Arabia On Iran

Israeli military chief of staff Gadi Eisenkot. IDF Spokesperson

Times Of Israel: In first-ever Saudi interview, IDF head says ready to share intel on Iran

Eisenkot tell Arab press Jerusalem and Riyadh in complete agreement on Islamic Republic, which he calls 'the biggest threat to the region'

In an unprecedented interview to a Saudi news outlet, Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot said Thursday that the Jewish state is prepared to share intelligence with the Gulf kingdom in their joint efforts to curb Iranian influence in the region.

Israel and Saudi Arabia do not have official diplomatic relations.

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WNU Editor: The Israelis are no longer hiding their cooperation with Saudi Arabia.

More News On The Israel Military Chief Of Staff's Remarks That Israel Is Ready To Share Intelligence Information With Saudi Arabia On Iran

IDF Chief of Staff: Israel willing to share intelligence with Saudis -- The Jerusalem Post
IDF chief: Israel willing to share intelligence with moderate Arab states -- YNet News
Israeli Military Chief Gives Unprecedented Interview to Saudi Media: 'Ready to Share Intel on Iran' -- Haaretz
Israel is ready to share intelligence on Iran with Saudi Arabia – IDF chief -- RT

The Growing Israeli - Saudi Alliance

NBC: ‘An open secret’: Saudi Arabia and Israel get cozy

WASHINGTON — In the Middle East, your enemy's enemy is your friend.

For Israel, Saudi Arabia's growing willingness to confront Iranian influence in the Middle East presents an opening for an awkward alliance. As the kingdom's dynamic new crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman, tries to rally an anti-Iran coalition, Israel — with the blessing of the Trump administration — is presenting itself as a willing and able partner.

The appetite for cooperation between two of America's closest allies in the Middle East has grown in recent years as their security interests have dovetailed. Both Israel and Saudi Arabia view Iran's growing influence in the region as an existential threat and want to squash militant Islamist groups like ISIS and Iran's main proxy, Hezbollah.

A U.S. official who witnessed a Saudi and Israeli official hold a closed-door meeting together recently said such informal meetings have been taking place for "at least five years."

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WNU Editor: The Iranians are playing on these reports of Israel - Saudi cooperation .... Iran: ‘Shameful’ Saudi Arabia begged Israel to bomb Lebanon (Times of Israel). But apparently this Israeli - Saudi cooperation does not involve playing chess .... Slated for Saudi Arabia, Big Chess Tournament to Lock Out Israeli Stars (Haaretz).

A Look At The Growing Israeli-Saudi Arabia Alliance

Netanyahu and Saudi King Salman. (photo credit:REUTERS)

Bob Mason, Jerusalem Post: New Allies: Israel and Saudi Arabia?

Former Defence Minister Moshe Ya’alon said that Sunni Arab countries and Israel face the same threat of a nuclear Iran.

The times are changing in the Middle East as alien nations find common ground in a bid to avert Iran supremacy within the region. Thrown into the mix is the strong international desire for the ousting of Syrian leader Assad. The opening of the dialogue between Israel and Saudi Arabia is perhaps the most significant shift in the region. There have been no diplomatic ties between the two nations, with Saudi Arabia has been a supporter of Palestinian sovereign rights.

A more open relationship has not come overnight, however, with the two nations having shared intelligence on enemies within the region, including Iran. Both nations hold a common view on Iran and its rise to power within the region. Both Israel and Saudi Arabia have a common ally in the U.S and the acting president also shares a similar view on Iran. In recent years, there has been plenty of reports about Israeli-Saudi relations.

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Update #1: The Israeli-Saudi alliance beating the drums of war -- Richard Silverstein, Middle East Eye
Update #2:
"Explosive" Leaked Secret Israeli Cable Confirms Israeli-Saudi Coordination To Provoke War -- Zero Hedge

WNU Editor: This "alliance" is still shrouded in secret .... but it looks like some people are nervous. On a side note, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is correct about this .... Netanyahu: When Israelis and Arabs Agree on Iran, The World Should Listen (Jerusalem Post).

Did Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Make A 'Secret Visit' To Israel?

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman gestures during a military parade. (photo credit:SAUDI PRESS AGENCY/REUTERS)

Jerusalem Post: Did the Saudi Crown Prince make a covert visit to Israel?

As expected, news of the visit was not warmly welcomed by the Arab public.

Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman made a discreet visit to Israel despite the fact that the Jewish state and Saudi Arabia do not have official diplomatic ties, Israeli and Arab media speculated earlier in the week.

Rumors about the momentous visit, which was not confirmed by Israel, started swirling when Israel Radio's diplomatic correspondent covering Arab affairs, Simon Aran, took to Twitter to announce the visit. Aran tweeted that a senior Arab figure from the Gulf region paid a visit to Tel Aviv last week, stirring immense interest in the Arab media.

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WNU Editor: If true .... this is big. My guess is that both countries are worried on what is happening in Syria, and the growing role of Iran in that country.

More News On Reports That Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Made A 'Secret Visit' To Israel

Did a Saudi prince just visit Israel? -- i24NEWS
News Of Saudi Crown Prince's 'Secret' Visit To Israel Brings Embassy Scramble -- Mintpress News
Report: Saudi Prince Visits Israel on Secret Peace Mission -- Hamodia

Israel And Saudi Arabia Unite Against The Iranian Nuclear Deal

The Telegraph: Israel and Saudi Arabia present united front over Iran deal

Iran's enemies unsettled by its deal with the West, but Bashar al-Assad of Syria says it is 'a great victory'.

The nuclear deal with Iran caused fury in Israel and consternation around the region at the likely increase in influence and resources of a newly enriched Iran.

Most telling was the loudest expression of support. "I am happy that the Islamic Republic of Iran has achieved a great victory by reaching an agreement," President Bashar al-Assad of Syria said in a message to his Iranian opposite number, Hassan Rouhani.

"In the name of the Syrian people, I congratulate you and the people of Iran on this historic achievement."

WNU Editor: This "alliance" and "united front" will not last long .... too much bad history between both sides.

Report: Israel Offered Saudi Arabia Its Iron Dome Defense System To Secure Its Border With Yemen

Soldiers stand near the Iron Dome missile defense system outside Tel Aviv.. (photo credit:MARC ISRAEL SELLEM/THE JERUSALEM POST)

Jerusalem Post: Report: Israel offered Saudi Arabia use of its Iron Dome technology

Rocket defense system was offered for Saudis to secure its border with Yemen.

Arabic-language newspaper Rai al-Youm reported on Saturday that Israel has offered Saudi Arabia to use its Iron Dome anti-rocket technology.

The offer was made to the Kingdom to defend its border with Yemen that has come under numerous rocket attacks.

According to the report, the offer was made last week during meetings in Amman between the Saudis and the US ambassador to Jordan. A spokesman for the Jordanian government said that he was not aware of a meeting between the Saudis and the Israelis in Amman, the news outlet reported.

Saudi Arabia reportedly rejected the offer, according to the London based newspaper.

WNU Editor: I do not know if this offer was genuine, but Saudi Arabia rejected it anyway .... Saudi Arabia ‘rejects Israeli offer to supply Iron Dome’ (Times of Israel/AP).

Is Israel And Saudi Arabia Planning To Attack Iran?

Israel Said To Be Working With Saudi Arabia On Iran Strike Plan -- Times of Israel

Riyadh reported to give Jerusalem okay to use Saudi airspace and to cooperate on other tactical support, according to Sunday Times

Israel is working on coordinating plans for a possible military strike with Saudi Arabia, with Riyadh prepared to provide tactical support to Jerusalem, a British newspaper reported early Sunday.

The two countries have both united in worry that the West may come to terms with Iran, easing sanctions and allowing the Islamic Republic to continue its nuclear program.

According to the Sunday Times, Riyadh has agreed to let Israel use its airspace in a military strike on Iran and cooperate over the use of rescue helicopters, tanker planes and drones.

“The Saudis are furious and are willing to give Israel all the help it needs,” an unnamed diplomatic source told the paper.

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More News On Reports That Israel And Saudi Arabia Planning To Attack Iran

Sunday Times: Israel, Saudi Arabia cooperating to plan possible Iran attack -- Haaretz
Report: Mossad working with Saudis on contingency plans for potential attack on Iran -- Jerusalem Post
Report: Israel, Saudi Arabia Coordinating Plans for Possible Iran Strike -- Algemeiner
Report: Israel, Saudis working on Iran strike plans -- UPI
Israel, Saudi Arabia Plan Joint Military Stirke on Iran -- Novinite
Report: Israel, Saudi Arabia plan for possible joint attack on Iran -- Israel Hayom
Israel, S. Arabia planning joint Iran strike - report -- Globes
Israel working with Saudi Arabia on Iran’s nuclear contingency plan - report -- RT
Israel, Saudi Arabia work together on plan for possible attack against Iran - media -- Voice of Russia
Israel and Saudi Arabia form alliance against Iran -- Examiner
Is Saudi Arabia working with Israel on an Iran strike? -- Thomas Lifson, American Thinker
A Saudi-Israel Alliance Against Iran? -- Jonathan S. Tobin, Commentary

A Growing Israeli - Sunni Arab Bloc?

Amos Gilad [file] Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) by Hanay

Amos Gilad: Strong Arab Sunni Bloc Doesn't See Israel As Enemy -- Jerusalem Post

Speaking in Herzliya, defense official lauds Egypt's counter-terror efforts in Sinai; says US is sole superpower to Arab states.

A powerful Middle Eastern axis of Sunni states has taken form in the region, which “does not view Israel as a sworn enemy” and has successfully kept extremist jihadi terrorism at bay, Maj.-Gen. (res.) Amos Gilad said on Sunday.

Speaking before the Institute for Counter-Terrorism’s international summit in Herzliya, Gilad, who is director of the Political-Military Affairs Bureau at the Defense Ministry, said that Israel “won’t ever be accepted as a formal member” of the Sunni axis, but that the states that make it up all view the US as the sole superpower and that their regional policies are indirectly beneficial for Israel.

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My Comment: Some commentators are also starting to notice this alliance .... The Saudi-Israeli Superpower. As to what is my take .... I have mixed feelings that this alliance of convenience and shared interests can be sustained.

Saudi Arabia Will Intercept Israeli Aircraft In An Iran Attack

Report: Saudis May Intercept Israeli Aircraft in Iran Attack -- Washington Free Beacon

Israeli media: Kingdom of Saud tells U.S. that airspace will be closed if Israel attacks Iran.

JERUSALEM—Saudi Arabia has informed U.S. officials that it will intercept any Israeli aircraft attempting to reach Iran through Saudi airspace, Tel Aviv daily Yediot Ahronot reported yesterday.

The information was relayed to Israel, the paper said. In 1981, Israeli warplanes passed through Saudi airspace to destroy the nuclear reactor being built by Saddam Hussein’s regime in Iraq. The eight attack planes were provided cover by Israeli fighter jets.

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My Comment: You expect the Saudis to say that .... but I suspect that if Israel should launch an airstrike, they will fly over Jordan and Iraq to do so. The Iraqi Air Force is small and ineffective, and Jordan will be told to look the other way.

Saudi Arabia Will Not Give An Air Corridor For Israeli Jets To Use In Bombing Iran

Saudi Arabia Says Airspace Off Limits For Israeli Iran Raid -- Bloomberg Businessweek

June 13 (Bloomberg) -- Saudi Arabia, the world’s largest oil exporter and a close U.S. ally, denied reports that it had agreed to allow Israel to use its airspace to raid Iran’s nuclear facilities.

Saudi Arabia rejects “the violation of its sovereignty and the use of its airspace or territory by anyone to attack any country,” the official Saudi Press Agency said late yesterday, citing an unidentified official at the Foreign Affairs Ministry. “It is more appropriate that Saudi Arabia should apply this policy to the authority of the Israeli occupation with which it has no relationship in any way.”

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More News On Saudi Arabia Refusing An Air Corridor For Israeli Fighter Jets To Use

Saudis deny Israeli deal -- Straits Times
Saudi denies deal on Iran blitz -- Gulf Daily News
Kingdom denies airspace reports -- Arab News
Saudi Arabia Denies Report about Giving Israel Air Corridor to Bomb Iran -- Day Press
Saudi, Iran and games Israel plays -- Khaleej Times editorial

Previous Post: Did Saudi Arabia Giver The Green Light For Israel To Attack Iran?

My Comment: As I had commented yesterday .... this talk of a Saudi corridor for Israeli bombers to Iran is just talk .... and nothing more.

Saudis Will Let Israel Bomb Iran's Nuclear Sites

Photo: Mossad chief Meir Dagan

From the Daily Express:

NTELLIGENCE chief Sir John Scarlett has been told that Saudi Arabia is ready to allow Israel to bomb Iran’s new nuclear site.

The head of MI6 discussed the issue in London with Mossad chief Meir Dagan and Saudi officials after British intelligence officers helped to uncover the plant, in the side of a mountain near the ancient city of Qom.

The site is seen as a major threat by Tel Aviv and Riyadh. Details of the talks emerged after John Bolton, America’s former UN ambassador, told a meeting of intelligence analysts that “Riyadh certainly approves” of Israel’s use of Saudi airspace.

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My Comment: I do not know if this story is true, but I do know that that Mossad Chief Meir Dagan was in London, and I could presume he was there to meet some people who are involved in Middle East intelligence.

But will the Saudis permit the Israelis the use of their airspace for such an operation. The Egyptians permit the Israeli Navy to use the Suez Canal, I can then only presume that other Sunni Arab states like Jordan and Saudi Arabia may turn a blind eye to the use of their airspace.

For the Saudis .... if such an operation is done properly .... they have very little to lose. The subsequent war and conflict would push oil to $150 a barrel and up, set-back or destroy Iran's nuclear ambitions for years to come, and rearrange the Middle East's strategic situation to its favor when neighboring countries run to Saudi Arabia for its protection.

But will the Saudis risk such an adventure .... that is something that I do not know the answer to.

Saudis Give Nod To Israeli Raid On Iran

Copyright Equilibri.net 2008 (Image taken from Stefano Torelli

From The Sunday Times:

The head of Mossad, Israel’s overseas intelligence service, has assured Benjamin Netanyahu, its prime minister, that Saudi Arabia would turn a blind eye to Israeli jets flying over the kingdom during any future raid on Iran’s nuclear sites.

Earlier this year Meir Dagan, Mossad’s director since 2002, held secret talks with Saudi officials to discuss the possibility.

The Israeli press has already carried unconfirmed reports that high-ranking officials, including Ehud Olmert, the former prime minister, held meetings with Saudi colleagues. The reports were denied by Saudi officials.

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My Comment: The enemy of my enemy is my friend. If this news story is true, I guess this quote is also true.

The interesting part of this story is that the Saudis do not have confidence that the American/Iraqi coalition would permit Israel to fly over Iraqi airspace to strike Iranian nuclear facilities. This proposal also tells me that the Saudis are more willing to accommodate the Israelis than the Americans.

Wow .... how things have changed in just 6 months.