QUOTE OF THE DAY

Saudi Arabia has warned that it will intercept Israeli fighter jets that enter its airspace en route to an attack on Iran, UPI news reported on Thursday citing the Hebrew daily Yedioth Ahronoth.

The report comes as the delivery of an upgraded interceptor currently being installed on Israel's Arrow anti-missile batteries is believed to ramp up its ability to cope with threats from Syria and Iran, defense experts said on Thursday.

In the event of a military strike on Iran's nuclear sites, Israel has three route options: a northern route, which requires flying over Turkey and Syria; a southern route over Saudi Arabia; or a central route over Jordan and Iraq, UPI reported.

Saudi Arabia’s warning has been amplified by Washington and U.S. administration officials who recently visited Jerusalem. According to sources in Jerusalem quoted by Yedioth Ahronoth, this information is a new attempt by Washington to prevent an imminent Israeli operation against Tehran’s nuclear facilities.

According to the report, the Americans have forwarded this Saudi message to Israel: "Saudi Arabia would shoot down any Israeli aircraft in its airspace on their way to Iran."