Israel-Saudi breakthrough needs more American muscle
Early warning systems against incoming rocket attacks save lives. Ask Israelis whose homes border the Gaza Strip, and they will agree that sirens warning of an impending Hamas strike enable them to go about their daily activities and still scurry for shelter when necessary.
Every US president since Bill Clinton has tried to create an integrated air and missile defense system for all US allies in the Middle East. Most Arab countries have spurned those efforts, either because they prefer making one-on-one deals with the US, or because they object to open cooperation with Israel.
The Abraham Accords changed the paradigm, with Arab nations now more willing to deal with Israel, especially to counter Iran’s growing regional belligerence. So even if President Biden failed to make much progress on his recent Middle East swing-and-miss, a bipartisan group within the US Congress is shaking the cobwebs off these old defense plans.
The DEFEND Act of 2022 would encourage nine Arab nations, alongside Israel, to build joint air defenses against Iran, complete with early warning posts.
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