In another blow to Netanyahu’s credibility both domestically and beyond , Iran and Saudi Arabia have announced that they are to restore diplomatic ties , seven years after their severance. Consequences of the rapprochement are likely to be felt globally.
The deal also restores Syria’s Assad, as a friend to the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) countries, and this is important because Assad’s opposition was financed by the GCC countries. Now that the Russians are tied up in Ukraine , at least he doesn’t have to worry so much about the threat from the rebels. It’s also been reported that ships have been leaving Syria for Russia crammed with ammunition.
Even before the announcement the Israelis were becoming increasingly concerned with the growing military compact between Russia and Iran. In return for the drones (and possibly ballistic missiles) Russia has been sharing hardware and know how in return. The Israelis see the very real prospect of that being used against their forces sometime in the future in Syria.
As ever , what happens here has ripple effects far beyond.