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Relations between the Jewish state and the Arab kingdom have traditionally been extremely fraught, and the two have previously refused to communicate through diplomatic channels.

But it has emerged the rival states are now sharing intelligence to “confront Iran” over fears of the Islamic republic’s plans to establish dominance in the Middle East by stoking the ongoing conflict in Syria by backing Lebanese militant group Hezbollah.

In an unprecedented interview with Saudi-owned news website Elaph, senior Isreali commander Lieutenant General Gadi Eisenkot said Israel and Saudi Arabia could help counter Iran if they work together.

He said: “We are ready to exchange experiences with moderate Arab countries and exchange intelligence to confront Iran.