Commentary: Opening of Saudi airspace for attack on Iran
According to reports on the internet, Saudi Arabia has opened its skies to Israeli civilian aircraft. This kind of move could potentially provide Israeli fighters with an air corridor for an attack on Iran
Ami Rojkes Dombe
| 03/09/2020
Photo: IDF Spokesperson's Unit
According to a report by Israeli journalist Barak Ravid, following an official request by the government of the UAE, the Saudi government announced that starting from Wednesday (September 2) it will allow all flights between Israel and the UAE to pass through its airspace. According to the report, the move also followed diplomatic efforts by Jared Kushner.
The opening of the skies could pave the way (or already secretly paved the way) for authorization by Saudi Arabia to use its airspace for an attack on Iran, if and when Israel makes such a decision.
In addition, the opening of Saudi airspace to Israeli air traffic is an additional means of Israeli and Saudi deterrence of Iran. Routine Israeli civilian flights over Saudi Arabia could "put to sleep" Iranian air defenses and enable Israel to plan a surprise attack. It cannot be ruled out that Israel could also use the Saudi authorization to collect SIGINT, ELINT or VISINT on Iran by various means.
According to reports on the internet, Saudi Arabia has opened its skies to Israeli civilian aircraft. This kind of move could potentially provide Israeli fighters with an air corridor for an attack on Iran
Photo: IDF Spokesperson's Unit
According to a report by Israeli journalist Barak Ravid, following an official request by the government of the UAE, the Saudi government announced that starting from Wednesday (September 2) it will allow all flights between Israel and the UAE to pass through its airspace. According to the report, the move also followed diplomatic efforts by Jared Kushner.
The opening of the skies could pave the way (or already secretly paved the way) for authorization by Saudi Arabia to use its airspace for an attack on Iran, if and when Israel makes such a decision.
In addition, the opening of Saudi airspace to Israeli air traffic is an additional means of Israeli and Saudi deterrence of Iran. Routine Israeli civilian flights over Saudi Arabia could "put to sleep" Iranian air defenses and enable Israel to plan a surprise attack. It cannot be ruled out that Israel could also use the Saudi authorization to collect SIGINT, ELINT or VISINT on Iran by various means.
