[Carry_Okie]

This strikes me as something the Saudis would not want to be made public, or even speculated.

Correct. It could cost them terribly, possibly even initiate a coup. That would then remove the option, which would be very bad for Israel. Hence, for this newspaper to publish it is unbelievably stupid, even outright treasonous.

If there is cooperation, fine. But make it known only, and maybe, after the fact, and only with the consent of parties involved in the operation.

I think never is a better idea.

[odds]

That would then remove the option, which would be very bad for Israel. Hence, for this newspaper to publish it is unbelievably stupid, even outright treasonous.

It's called psyching out the enemy. It's been going on for yrs, always with some deadline, March, April, September, maybe January, etc... Problem is psyching out the enemy this way has limits.