Sunni Arab States and Israel: Allies?
With Iran and the agreement becoming the common enemy in the Middle East,
the Director of Israel’s foreign ministry, Dore Gold, referred to the Sunni
Arab states in the region as Israel’s allies
IsraelDefense | 2/08/2015
http://www.israeldefense.co.il/en/content/sunni-arab-states-and-israel-allies

The Director of Israel’s foreign ministry, Dore Gold, referred to the Sunni
Arab states in the region as Israel’s allies. The comment was made during a
presentation in New York. Referring to common complaints about the Iran deal
and the dangers that it poses to the people that are traditionally rivals
with Iran, Gold said, “and it’s not Israel talking, that is our Sunni Arab
neighbors, and you know what? I’ll use another expression: that is our Sunni
Arab allies talking.”

Speculation of the effects that the Iran deal would have on Israel’s foreign
policy with its Arab neighbors has been rampant. There has been the
widespread theory that Israel may be able to cut through old hatreds with
this deal, with Iran and the agreement becoming the common enemy in the
Middle East. Israel continues to poster in this way, with rhetoric that
sounds very promising, especially regarding Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia used to be one of Israel’s favorite targets for accusation of
state sponsored terrorism. Animosity was the kindest way to put the
relationship between the two states. This summer, though, has seen rumors of
secret talks and even a visit to Israel by the Saudi Prince, and warming
relationships between the two states. This public statement of trust in the
Sunni Arab states of the region, in particular Saudi Arabia, is a major step
forward, and for some can be seen as a silver lining to a deal they might
not approve of.

Speaking of the path moving forward for Israel with the Iran agreement, Gold
detailed what he saw as his state’s job. Right now he feels there is a need
for Israel to warn the world of what they see as a dangerous agreement for
the world. If approved though, Israel must work with the international
community, especially the United States, and deal with any repercussions.