There have been many hints over the years that Israel has been sharing information with Saudi Arabia. There would be a single line in an article that Israeli general so-and-so had met with Saudi (fill in office) but with little or no information about what was discussed or why the meeting was held. Recently, there were mentions that some of Trump’s top people had met with high level Saudi officials. Again, no details. Then, a couple of weeks ago there was a massive purge of Saudi people. I speculate that those people were actively supporting terrorists. These were important, rich members of the Saudi family, who have been recently offered their freedom in exchange for their money.
The Saudis have, apparently, been playing footsie with the Israelis for a long time. But, before any real cooperation, and, say, joint military action, could commence, the Saudis had to clean house. They have done that.
For Saudi Arabia, this is the make or break moment. They must diversify their economy. To that end they have established a joint venture with Egypt and Jordan, but the key, unmentioned player will be Israel; probably supplying desalinated water and pipeline access to the Mediterranean.
Another thing they have to do is reform Islam. If they don’t then the Saudi government is doomed to be replaced by a regime that is likely to make Iran’s government look like it was designed by Disney. The Saudi king is the titular leader of Islam, so they theoretically have the power. However, built into the source code of Islam is a function that dictates death for anybody changing it. The recent legalization of women drivers is a clear signal that change is on the way.
There are other issues, but those are the top ones that will occuply Saudi Arabia for the next twenty years.
I assume the purpose of the Intel sharing is to get rid of those pesky Shias. I think this will provide a furtherance of Sunni/ Wahhabi Islamist agenda.
I hate feeling the US is the errand boy for Israel, and the KSA, but when the Israeli MOD says he prefers ISIS next door to Assad’s Secular Syria....
Would like to see the billions, as well as lives lost in regime changes going to improving infrastructure for USA.