In a recent episode where Israel faced a barrage of missile and drone assaults from Iran, an unexpected alliance emerged, with Saudi Arabia and Jordan extending assistance to the Middle Eastern nation. Reports from The Jerusalem Post revealed that Saudi Arabia, equipped with an automated interception system, played a crucial role in detecting and neutralizing potential threats in its airspace, aiding Israel in intercepting a vast majority of the Iranian weaponry.
This collaboration between Israel and its erstwhile adversaries comes amidst a significant geopolitical backdrop, nearly a year post the restoration of diplomatic ties between Saudi Arabia and Iran, facilitated with the assistance of China. Despite past criticisms of Israel's actions in Gaza, particularly about the targeting of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, Saudi Arabia demonstrated a willingness to cooperate in thwarting common security threats.
The strategic significance of Saudi Arabia and Jordan's involvement is underscored by the geographical reality: the drones and missiles launched by Iran had to traverse the airspace of these nations to reach Israel. Jordan, while historically critical of Israel's operations in Gaza, took proactive measures to defend its airspace, reportedly intercepting missiles and extending access to Israeli and US fighter jets.
Former Jordanian officials defended their nation's actions, emphasizing the paramount importance of safeguarding national sovereignty and protecting citizens. Similarly, Arab countries quietly collaborated with Israel, sharing intelligence, opening airspace, and providing military assistance to counter Tehran's aggression, as revealed by US officials cited in The Wall Street Journal.
The multinational effort to repel the Iranian onslaught extended beyond the region, with the US, the UK, and France also contributing to thwarting the attack. Notably, US military officials disclosed that a significant portion of the incoming missiles and drones were intercepted by American forces.
Iran's retaliation, consisting of over 300 drones and missiles, was purportedly prompted by an airstrike on its consulate building in Damascus, Syria, resulting in casualties, including two Iranian generals. This escalation underscores the complex dynamics and shifting alliances in the volatile Middle East region.
