Warming of ties: Saudi Arabia purchases iron dome missile defense systems from Israel

Riyadh: Reflecting a warming of ties between Israel and Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia reportedly purchased Iron Dome missile defence systems from Israel. Citing diplomatic sources, London-based Al-Khaleej Online stated that Israel agreed to sell after pressure from Washington. While no confirmation has been received from Saudi officials Israeli security officials strongly denied the report.

The cost of batteries purchased is estimated to be tens of millions of dollars. According to the report, the transaction will take place in December and the batteries will be deployed on Saudi Arabia’s southern border with Yemen.

Warming ties between Saudi Arabia-Israel have drawn strong criticism from the Islamic world.

According to reports, Israel initially opposed selling Iron Dome systems to Arab but later gave in to U.S. pressure.