As the US President’s visit to the Middle East draws near, Biden’s administration is already preparing the ground for the main reason for his trip: Strengthening the Sunni+Israel axis vis-a-vie Iran. This is particularly significant as Iran is working to strengthen its relations with China, India, Brazil and other emerging economies to create an “East Block” against the West.
The United States and Israel are seeking to lay the groundwork for a security alliance with Arab states that would connect air defence systems to combat Iranian drone and missile attacks in the Middle East, four sources familiar with the plan said.
The idea, which would use Israeli technology, could gain momentum during President Joe Biden’s stops in Israel, the Palestinian territories and Saudi Arabia on a July 13-16 trip, said two of the sources who were briefed on the plans.
As regional tensions have grown over Tehran’s disputed nuclear programme, Israel, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and parts of Iraq have come under UAV or missile strikes claimed by or blamed on Iranian-backed militias.
Discussions are still at an early stage and have already met resistance from several Arab countries who refuse to do business with Israel, the four sources said.
The idea, which would use Israeli technology, could gain momentum during President Joe Biden’s stops in Israel, the Palestinian territories and Saudi Arabia on a July 13-16 trip, said two of the sources who were briefed on the plans.
As regional tensions have grown over Tehran’s disputed nuclear programme, Israel, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and parts of Iraq have come under UAV or missile strikes claimed by or blamed on Iranian-backed militias.
Discussions are still at an early stage and have already met resistance from several Arab countries who refuse to do business with Israel, the four sources said.
But Israel’s defence minister Benny Gantz last month said an emerging U.S.-sponsored air defence alliance was “operative” and could be boosted by Biden’s visit. The apparatus has already foiled attempted Iranian attacks, he added.
Speaking to Reuters on condition of anonymity, an Israeli official said partner countries were synchronising their respective air defence systems through remote electronic communication, rather than using the same physical facilities.
The Sunni states led by Saudi Arabia and UAE are heavily concerned by Iran’s expansionist plans and are indeed strengthening their ties with Israel in matters of security. The Biden visit should ensure a continued and long-standing plan to combat Iran in the region.
