Sunday Times: Israel, Saudi Arabia Cooperating to Plan Possible Iran Attack

Saudis would allow Israel use of air space and provide drones, rescue helicopters and tanker planes, report says.

Nov 17, 2013

Israel and Saudi Arabia are secretly working together on plans for a possible attack against Iran in case the Geneva talks fail to roll back its nuclear program, British paper The Sunday Times reported.

The two countries' shared concern has put them at odds with the United States as the latter continues to seek an agreement with Iran to ease economic sanctions in return for pulling back nuclear development.

According to the diplomatic source quoted by the Times, Saudi Arabia has agreed to let Israel use its air space, and assist an Israeli attack by cooperating on the use of drones, rescue helicopters and tanker planes.

Israel's Mossad intelligence agency is reportedly working with Saudi officials to make arrangements following the signing of a nuclear deal in Geneva.

“Once the Geneva agreement is signed, the military option will be back on the table. The Saudis are furious and are willing to give Israel all the help it needs,” the Times quoted the source as saying.

Netanyahu is meanwhile appealing to American and French audiences to oppose the proposed agreement with Iran that he believes does not go far enough in pressuring Tehran. Netanyahu told CNN Iran's nuclear program is a direct threat to Israel's survival in an interview that will be broadcast Sunday morning.

French President Francois Hollande lands in Israel Sunday afternoon for his first official visit as president, after receiving accolades from Israeli officials for apparently blocking an agreement with Iran.

A warm welcome is expected for the French leader, who will push home his advantage on Iran by “strongly reiterating” that “Iran’s military nuclear program must stop,” according to French sources.

Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Credit: AP