In recent years, Israel has been establishing itself as the principal geopolitical counterweight to Iran in the southwestern portion of the Middle East. With its overwhelming scientific, technological and military superiority, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the Gulf states (with the exception of Qatar) are increasingly accepting Israeli leadership.
Now, however, after years of extensive defense and intelligence collaboration and diplomatic engagement, having reached a level approaching formal recognition of Israel on the part of the Arab countries involved that do not yet have them, there is imminent danger of retrogression.