⭕️ Leaked US files reveal secret Israeli-Arab military pact targeting Iran amid war on Gaza: Washington Post

Leaked US military documents have exposed a covert security partnership between Israel and six key Arab states, Qatar, Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, forged under the leadership of US Central Command even as these countries publicly condemned Israel’s war on Gaza.

Behind the scenes, the parties held years of secret meetings and joint trainings in Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Qatar and the US, focusing on countering Iran and combating underground tunnel warfare used by Hamas and other resistance factions in Gaza.

The partnership, known as the “Regional Security Construct,” began in 2022 and quietly expanded through 2025, linking the countries into a shared air-defense network designed to monitor Iranian missiles and drones.

The leaked files also reveal US plans to establish a “Combined Middle East Cyber Center” and an “Information Fusion Center” to further integrate Israeli and Arab security capabilities. It also involved onboarding partners to a US-run secure chat system, distributing intelligence and operational material through the 'Five Eyes network' (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Britain, and the United States), sharing radar and sensor data to build a joint regional picture, and coordinating information operations to undermine Iran’s narrative as the regional protector of Palestinians while promoting a partner narrative of prosperity and cooperation.

This shadow alliance was thrown into turmoil after Israel’s 9 September airstrike on Doha targeting Hamas leaders. Netanyahu later issued an apology to Qatar under pressure from Washington, but the incident exposed the fragility of the cooperation. US radar systems had failed to detect the Israeli strike because they were focused on Iran, a revelation that deepened mistrust among Arab partners.

While Arab leaders, including those of Egypt, Jordan, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, have publicly denounced Israel’s campaign in Gaza as “genocidal,” their militaries were simultaneously working alongside Israel and the US on security planning tied to Trump’s ceasefire plan, which envisions Arab participation in Gaza’s postwar security arrangements. Around 200 US troops are set to deploy to Israel to support the ceasefire agreement, with several of the Arab states involved expected to contribute forces.