Saudi Arabia denies it offered Israeli jets flight path to Iran

Eaglebeak, you are perfectly free to accept the opinions of Mark B, or of anyone else. Just be aware his idea of a 'Dutch treat' is selling seven million Israelis down the river so he can warm his backside with foreign oil. Indeed, his slavish support of Iran is such that one wonders if he hasn't cut a deal with Ahmadinejad - maybe he'll be the next Gauleiter of the Netherlands. MV

Make it a package dea and throw in the Brooklyn Bridge. He will need ity with waterfront property

and Egyptians will deny all. the Saudis have always hedged their bets, cautious in almost all areas of regional diplomacy. But so far as relations with Arab States and, yes, the Persians, caution is the catchword. Recall the days of Nasser; observe their approach to Syria and the Palestinians. As Hussein of Jordan was described, so also the ruling family of Saud: Uneasy lies the head. Israel, of course, is the pariah state, the unwelcome interlocutor. So regarding the state of the Jews it is not only safe, but fashionable, feeds the Saudi street, to reject Israels existence. Even in the face of the Persian nuclear threat. As Sadam Hussein told the US when asked why he bluffed about his wmd, "We live in a rough neighborhood!" Perhaps, should push come to shove and the Obama Administration truly prefers a nuclear Iran to a military strike, then, but still unlikely, the Saudis will acknowledge Israel messiah, and turn a blind eye to the IAF. And after wards, return to anti-Israel.

Thank you for the heads up. I am not really familiar with Petra. I just felt that Ice's post was rather unkind. I will start paying more attention.

Could Saudi afford to be seen aiding Israel in an attack on another Muslim Nation? How could it be hidden? The problem of radar propagation in the Persian Gulf has been extensively studied. Anyone who wants to see how through the examinations have been, there is a good example at http://journals.cambridge.org/download.php?file=%2FMAP%2FMAP13_01%2FS1350482705001970a.pdf&code=cd8e4278abe083ee5367dab8427fc72d The great number of radars available would, however, make it almost impossible to conceal an attack. Even attempts to jam radars would reveal the course of the jamming aircraft and betray the nation of origin of the attackers. Could Israel afford to sneak across Saudi when Saudi has E-3 AWACS aircraft? The House of Saud is not happy with the idea of a nuclear armed Iran. But it is also not suicidal. It would almost certainly defend it's airspace.

Funny but I do not see any Johnson listed here on Mensa's membership list for all of Ontario

I don't think Saudi Arabia is crazy enough to allow such flights when the Americans themselves will not allow it over Iraq. The U.S. will flex its muscles, but is in no mood to open a 3rd front at the moment especially that a nuclear Iran is not a serious threat to it, the Europeans or even Israel. Even defense minister Barak admitted so recently. Should the Israelis embark on an adventure and the Saudis allow it through their air space, they should expect a hail of Iranian missles hitting their oil fields way before any missle hit Tel Aviv. But, then again, history had shown us a lot of wars based on miscalculations.

And who is going to tell the Saudi population?

Israel believes bombing only real option to stop nukes in Iran but there are only 3 flyover and refueling routes, Iraq, Turkey and Suadi Arabia. Turkey it out and Iraq out without US ok, that would be tricky at best now. That leaves Suadi Arabia which is against nukes in Iran but that would put the Suadis in bad position with its own people. I think Iran will be a nuclear power in 10yrs no matter what happens and maybe soon if nukes are built in N. Korea for them.

So they are hiding behind the knee of Israel and America - they will do as they are told - period. Have another scotch king.

Since when have many internet posts been civil let alone tolerant of others opinions. Like Ice has an inside source that tells him all. Lol

All of you, wake up and smell the coffee. A tabloid printed an ATTRIBUTED bit of nonsense and the printed an ATTRIBUTED denial. Don't get your panties in a wad. This whole matter has no basis in fact so why get worked up?

Read all her posts. Espescially the one about Armaggedon on another article here on Haaretz Talkback today (Armaggedon anyone?). It reads like a line from the Omen or the Exorcist,coming from a psychotic hater of mankind who is known under many names. The lady is disturbed and longs for massive death, fire and destruction as purification of a sinfull world. Hope you are not in that club.

You could express your ideas to Petra without being insulting. Your post does more to show your IQ than it does Petra's. Petra could suggest that you take a suppository and go to sleep but that would be impossible. Your head would get in the way.

Sadly Bibi can't authorize this strike without the OK from Obama which is almost certainly not going to be given but if it was given all it would take is a quiet word from Obama in the ear of saudi king to and say you want Israel to try destroy Irans nuclear facilities just as much as Israel does so all we ask is we are going to tell you when they will be over your airspace if your people detect them don't send fighters to intercept. So Israeli jets get to safely use saudi airspace without permission. Once its all over success or failure then you can condemn Israel in the UN for illegally invading your airspace. Israel gets the job done, you have deniability because you refused to give permission and you get to have the UN condemn Israel as a bonus. They cannot though give official permission that way they will anger the arabs especially the palestinians and Syria and Iran will officially see them as an enemy and probably retaliate against them because they were part of the plan.

The Saudis will allow a pig to flow over its territory before that happens. Their populace would run them out on a rail. Calm down and have tea.

Murray of Montreal, You never cease to amaze my curiosity of your level of ignorance. Johnson, on behalf of the Brains Trust Fund

s and Egyptians will deny all. the Saudis have always hedged their bets, cautious in almost all areas of regional diplomacy. But so far as relations with Arab States and, yes, the Persians, caution is the catchword. Recall the days of Nasser; observe their approach to Syria and the Palestinians. As Hussein of Jordan was described, so also the ruling family of Saud: Uneasy lies the head. Israel, of course, is the pariah state, the unwelcome interlocutor. So regarding the state of the Jews it is not only safe, but fashionable, feeds the Saudi street, to reject Israels existence. Even in the face of the Persian nuclear threat. As Sadam Hussein told the US when asked why he bluffed about his wmd, "We live in a rough neighborhood!" Perhaps, should push come to shove and the Obama Administration truly prefers a nuclear Iran to a military strike, then, but still unlikely, the Saudis will acknowledge Israel messiah, and turn a blind eye to the IAF. And after wards, return to anti-Israel.

it deems necessary to accomplish the mission. Permission is just a 'technicality' !

Dear Fortune Cookie, I do not undrstand your whining. Not long ago Israel was whining about an article in a Swedish newspaper.Norwegian

Throw in the Brooklyn Bridge av\nd make it a package deal.

"Most of the gulf states will cooperate w/ a strike on Iran. They know Iran better than we and are ready to ally themselves w/ either Israel or USA as long as they don`t have to admit it publicly. Politics does make strange bedfellows. " The relationship b/w the middle eastern countries is a little complex for a low IQer like you to comprehend. All the gulf countries have a love-hate relationship. They all hate each other but when it comes to israel.. you can see them united. Saudis cannot and will not help in attacking Iran in any way. They want o contain the Iranian programme but not eliminate it. As I said , it's too complicated for you. Take a pill and go to sleep.

The Empire of so many good things, has the most abysmally unprofessional, ridiculous, phony press in the whole of Europe and beyond. A pity that the demand of an apology by Saudi Arabia gives this drivel free advertising; but I guess that's the intention by the "Sunday Express" anyway.

A blood liebel and air space is two diffrent world, people around the world pay the price for a blood liebel !!!!

based on what ground u siad so?

for sale in NV!!! If Saudi princes did what you suggest, their population would throw them out on their asses. US supports Saudi rulers, but their population does not and they hate Israel. So how about it? Wanna buy my ocean front property. You seem like a good shim, clueless about the landscape! Tea?

face the Iranian music...

The House of Saud has realized the monster they have been creating during decades has turned against them and sees them as slaves of the West. It is doubtfull this article says the truth, but it is possible. It will almost certainly bring the downfall of the House of Saud. On the other hand, one can trust an Arab to speed up his own downfall, as history has proven.

Why share Iraq's fate? If Iran is going to be in ruins, why not take her attackers with her? Salaam/Shalom

"i predict many arab government will be overthrown if we attack iran." You are right in your predictment in my opinion. Imagine Saudi-Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, Gulf States and others becoming ruled by radical political Islam. A peace loving normal person would foresee war, death and destruction without an end and oppose it. A settler might rejoice because that would justify so-called 'transfer' (deportation). An American Evangalical might rejoice because his Gog-Magog and Jesus-return fantasies seem to come true. I see you live in TA. I hope and take it you are a normal person. Please tell your fellow countrymen as much as you can take what an attack on Iran might trigger for decades to come.

And the Sunday Express is a tabloid. This story cropped up months ago in Rupert Murdoch's propaganda organ the Sunday Times. It has been denied both times by the Saudi government.

Sunday express claim may or may not have been true, but its not surprising at all. All you arabs are more concerned about Iran's nuclear program than Israel's routine genocide on your people. The stupid and lazy tyrants of arab are happy to have their harems decorated with women rather than their impoverished people find a decent living.

Saudi-Arabians make up the bulk of the foreign fighters in Iraq and provide the lion's share of terrorist finances.The government is accused of failing to penalize promoters of Jihad.The educational system imparting hatred of other religions and societies. Iran is the most active state sponsor of terrorism in the world.Iran involvement in Lebanon,Iraq,Afghanistan,and the Palestinians territories Threatens efforts to promote peace,economic stability in the Gulf and democracy. Does Israel want to get involved with either one?Their fight is about which terror (Sunni,Shia)we should live with.

Since none of us can actually know if the report is true or not it would be more interesting to look at what would still be a good reason to leak this info either way. Remember, Iran most likely can't know if it's true or not either! With this report and the other saying that Israel can fly over Iraq I would estimate that this is part of the pressure being applied on Iran. If there are multiple possible flight routes (i.e. no doors are closed) Iran must worry about anything coming in from every direction.

There is a persian saying- Its better to have a smart enemy than a dumb friend. Israel is far better off having legitimate national liberation movements as her opponents than Saudi created terrorist groups. Its better off having non suicide bombing Iran friendly Hamas than a suicide bombing Saudi-friendly group that it used to be few years ago. Hezbollah or Hamas, they care for their own constituents which prohibits them to be irrational or unpredictable and are far better for Israel and the world than mercenary groups like the Saudi funded ones- alqaida or......Lashkare Taiba. there is BIG difference between Islamic Republic and the corrupt House of Saud.

The Saudi's are sane enough to understand that Iran's brand Islam seeks to destroy them just like the followers of Ali give less creedence to Mohammed and more to his nephew.Iran has taken Shiasm to the extreme and will use it against sunni,wahhabi,taliban as well as jew and westerner.Saudi arabia is more deceptive.you can see the religious zealots of Irans intention to nuke the west.Saud wants to transform it covertly.Both are dangerous for freedom.Saud wants Israel to destroy Iran before Iran destroys them and would allow Israel to pass through airspace to accomplish that.Saudi arabia must be contained and forced to abandon its Islamic extremist tendency to play friend and foe as a double standard in dealing with the west.

I wonder if israel really needs a pemission for this. If Israel is serious about something and can be done, Israel will do it. Otherwise, people go and sleep. The other interesting thing is, why Saudi Arabia has to be involved, flying over Jordan is a shorter way, israel and Jordan have a security treaty signed. or I am wrong.

Most of the gulf states will cooperate w/ a strike on Iran. They know Iran better than we and are ready to ally themselves w/ either Israel or USA as long as they don't have to admit it publicly. Politics does make strange bedfellows.

Sir, It is fascinating; you produce entirely rational analysis of the situation, then slip into "Iran and Taliban must put their idiological hostility and form a common ground to hasten the defeat of the West." Apparently you sincerely believe in the "defeat of the West" by the forces you mentioned. Fascinating...

Israel is of no threat to the Saudis but Iran is a major threat to them (and the world).

"After swedish Aftonbladet now we see english Sunday Express demonize Israel.are pro palestinian forces opening a new front against Israel???" You've never read the Sunday Express have you Ron?! LOL. It's about as right-wing and xenophobic as the Sun and has a Jewish owner. I think it's pretty unlikely this story was intended to demonize Israel. If you're looking for reasons to plant this story, I'd go with the longstanding aim of Israel to drive a wedge between Iran and Arab states.

the saudi government is only speeding up their own internal overthrow by allowing us to fly across their land to attack iran. i predict many arab government will be overthrown if we attack iran.

demonize Israel. are pro palestinian forces opening a new front against Israel???

The Sunday express or the Saudis,who is lying? Non of the two are exectly known for their integrity.The Saudi of course has to deny it.Even if it is true neither KSA nor Israel will ever admitt it,it would be stupid. Anyway it does not make any different if the Saudi are on or off,they wouldn't know it before it is over.In case of Israeli attack on Iran(i don't hope there would be one)Israel will find "flight path".remember Iraq, Sudan, Ethiopia, Uganda.

But news is about selling and so humanity has been sold out.The twisted values of our world.

Once the US and its Western Allies plus Israel are convinced that an operation on Iran is cost effective, they have several ways to do that. In fact, strategically speaking there are major gains for the West from such operation. As for the path taken to reach Iran, that is irrelevant. Planes, submarines, missiles and many more could be used and are nearby. Countries of the region are allies to the West and are willing to help directly and participate. All countries around Iran are either willing participants or do not mind helping. Aggressions could come through all Arab countries, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Cenral Asian countries, Azribijan, etc. Only Turkey, Syria could oppose such operation. Bases around the world could be used specially Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean. Attack on Iran is not the problem. The only real problem is the reaction from Iran and Hezbullah. Iran and Taliban must put their idiological hostility and form a common ground to hasten the defeat of the West.

The relationship between the US and Saudi is strong both as to security and financial interests. It would be in the Saudis' interest, as well as the rest of the oil states, to keep Iran under control. They can not do it militarily, so why not let the US and Israel do the work?

Already it is being written that Iran came forward in disclosing the plant. Soon everyting will forget and those who do not know, will never know that it was three western nations that blew Iran's cover in a very entertaining and timely fashion.

Maybe sometimes on oil and not all the time on that. Saudi is more connected to the US for many reasons including security, financial invetments, and the ultimate place to run to if all else fails. Israel might be involved in the last part?

the Gulf states and Iran are working together.

No one of sound mind wants nuclear armed Mullahs.They scare the Saudis and most of the other Oil States as much as they do Israel.

oh my God you are pathetic.

but the logic is of course that the Saudis wouldn't want to have war at its door step and then being blamed for it.

From Wikipedia: Richard Clive Desmond (born 8 December 1951) is an English publisher. He is the current owner of Express Newspapers. Desmond, who is Jewish,[2] grew up in north London and left school at 14, due to poor academic performance. Desmond founded Northern and Shell in 1974 and launched a magazine called International Musician and Recording World. In 1983, Northern and Shell obtained the license to publish Penthouse in the United Kingdom which led to its publishing a range of adult titles,[3] Asian Babes among them. He also owns a television production company Portland TV which broadcasts Fantasy Channel and Red Hot TV and others. I wouldn't necesaarily rely on the Sunday Express for an accurate, in depth analysis of Middle Eastern politics. Maybe some Saudi girls turned down the chance to appear in Asian Babes.

That is how a country should react when a tabloid runs a baseless story about oneself. "his country would demand that the newspaper print a retraction and apology." Imagine the Saudi King demanding from Gordon Brown or, even better, the Queen to publicly apologies for the British yellow press because the head of government is sooo responsible for what the tabloids write. Well in Israel with its press censorship it probably is.maybe this twisted understanding of a "free press" is the reason for Bibis reaction.Or he needed a smoke grenade to distract attention from real issues. at the end of the day was it just a pathetic move. Israel, show some more dignity in future.