Israel reportedly in talks on defense alliance with Gulf states

Israel, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates are exploring the possibility of creating a four-nation defense alliance, according to an exclusive i24NEWS report.

Israeli officials who spoke with i24NEWS refused to confirm this report but said "Israel is constantly working to improve its relations with its Arab neighbors."

The i24NEWS report said the talks were likely designed as a means to counter the "growing Iranian threat" in the region ahead of a possible resumption of talks on a nuclear deal between Tehran and the West.

The UAE and Bahrain are part of the Abraham Accords brokered by the Trump administration. The peace deal ended the state of conflict between Israel and four Arab nations and paved the way for official recognition and the exchange of ambassadors (the UAE has already appointed its envoy to the Jewish state).