The Hebrew newspaper Israel Hayom published a report on Tuesday claiming that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been engaged in what it described as “sensitive” discussions with Gulf leaders in recent days, raising questions over whether preparations are underway for a new regional war.
According to the report, Netanyahu held talks with several Gulf officials, including UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed, to coordinate positions regarding the ongoing confrontation with Iran.
The newspaper claimed that the UAE has increasingly come under Iranian fire after efforts to keep the Strait of Hormuz open failed to deter escalating tensions.
Security Coordination Between Israel and Gulf States
Israel Hayom reported that Netanyahu briefed US President Donald Trump on the discussions with Gulf leaders.
Diplomatic sources cited by the newspaper said the talks extended beyond political coordination and discussions over response options, also including efforts to deepen regional security cooperation.
The report further claimed that missile interception footage recorded over the UAE, alongside multiple published reports, indicated that Iron Dome systems stationed there with Israeli teams intercepted at least some missiles launched toward Emirati territory.
According to the newspaper, Netanyahu’s recent communications with Gulf leaders have paved the way for significantly broader security cooperation between Israel and Gulf states than previously seen.
Washington and Tel Aviv Discuss Potential Response
The report stated that the United States and Israel are jointly discussing possible responses following the incident involving missile fire toward the UAE.
At the same time, the newspaper claimed Iran has attempted to distance itself from the attack by suggesting that “hardline elements” within the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps were responsible.
Israel Hayom added that American and Israeli officials are also consulting over the possibility of targeting energy infrastructure, missile launch platforms, and submarines positioned in western Iran overlooking the Gulf.
Despite the discussions, the report noted that both Washington and Tel Aviv currently prefer avoiding a return to full scale fighting. Instead, they are reportedly prioritising efforts to accelerate the movement of naval vessels and oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz following what the newspaper described as a successful operational test.
Strait of Hormuz Remains Central Flashpoint
According to the report, American warships are now passing through the Strait of Hormuz with minimal obstruction after several Revolutionary Guard naval vessels were reportedly destroyed earlier this week and missile launch attempts against US forces were intercepted.
The newspaper also stated that the United States and Gulf governments are pressuring major shipping companies to resume sending vessels through the strategic waterway while promising military protection for commercial traffic.
It added that Iranian forces attempted to target passing ships and attacked an oil tanker south of the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, although most vessels reportedly crossed safely.
