Extensive Israeli-Saudi Coordination in the Red Sea

Under the leadership of the United States, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Egypt are engaging in extensive covert coordination in the Red Sea, ostensibly to counter drone threats from Iraq and Yemen. This collaboration constitutes an unofficial defensive alliance, leveraging shared military and intelligence capabilities.

A Network of Shared Defense Systems

American media outlets have revealed that this coordination integrates air, naval, and ground detection and interception systems across the participating countries. Israel, in particular, provides a defensive air shield over the Gulf of Aqaba and the Red Sea for its neighboring states.

The U.S. Central Command oversees this regional collaboration, utilizing shared radar systems stationed in Israel, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Gulf states.

Saudi Arabia’s Evolving Cooperation with Israel

For years, Saudi airspace has been accessible to Israel, facilitated by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who has spearheaded overt normalization efforts with Tel Aviv despite widespread opposition from the Saudi populace.

The Saudi authorities have gradually eased restrictions on Israeli flights. What began as clandestine visits has evolved into official permissions, symbolizing normalization as a practical reality under Mohammed bin Salman’s vision.

On September 29, the Israeli military released a video showcasing F-35 fighter jets refueling mid-air on their way to bomb Yemen’s Al-Hudaydah port. The footage confirmed that these jets traversed Saudi airspace, with the Saudi village of “Al-Humaidah” visible along their route.

CNN’s Revelation on Israeli Airstrikes

This incident is not an isolated one. Saudi Arabia’s willingness to open its airspace for Israeli aircraft marks a significant shift, indicating ongoing covert military cooperation.

Notable Instances of Saudi-Israeli Cooperation

1. 1. March 2018: Saudi Arabia allowed Air India flights to cross its airspace en route to Israel. The first flight from New Delhi landed in Tel Aviv on March 23, hailed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a “breakthrough” into previously untapped markets.Israeli Transport Minister Yisrael Katz described it as a “historic” flight, marking the first direct connection between Saudi and Israeli airspace.

1. 1. November 2020: Investigative reports revealed the movement of a private jet frequently used by Netanyahu from Tel Aviv to Neom, Saudi Arabia. The visit coincided with U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s presence in Neom for a meeting with Mohammed bin Salman.Axios journalist Barak Ravid confirmed the trip, tweeting:
      “Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu secretly flew to Neom, Saudi Arabia, yesterday for a trilateral meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. Netanyahu was accompanied by Mossad Chief Yossi Cohen.”

1. 1. September 2020: Saudi Arabia allowed Israeli flights to and from the UAE to pass over its territory following the signing of the Abraham Accords. Netanyahu called the move a “tremendous breakthrough.”The first flight from Tel Aviv to Abu Dhabi crossed Saudi airspace in late August 2020, marking the first time a commercial Israeli aircraft was permitted to traverse the Kingdom.

1. 1. August 2022: Saudi Arabia approved the use of its airspace for three Israeli airlines—El Al, Israir, and Arkia—following U.S. President Joe Biden’s visit to Saudi Arabia.Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid celebrated the development, tweeting:
      “After long, secretive, and intensive diplomacy with Saudi Arabia and the United States, we wake up this morning to wonderful news. Saudi airspace is now open to Israeli airlines.”

1. 1. August 2023: Netanyahu publicly thanked Saudi authorities for allowing an Israeli passenger plane to make an emergency landing in Jeddah. In a video statement, he praised the “warm approach” of Saudi officials toward the stranded Israeli passengers.

Implications of Saudi-Israeli Coordination

This extensive and evolving cooperation highlights a dramatic shift in regional alliances. While Riyadh publicly emphasizes its support for the Palestinian cause, its actions suggest an increasing alignment with Tel Aviv’s strategic and military goals.

Despite widespread opposition within Saudi society, Mohammed bin Salman has positioned himself as the architect of normalization with Israel. This coordination, which includes sharing airspace, intelligence, and military operations, underscores a new reality in the Middle East.

As normalization continues to unfold, it remains critical for those committed to justice for Palestine to challenge these alliances and amplify the voices of opposition within Saudi Arabia and beyond.