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The Israeli Angle to the Saudi-Egyptian Island Deal
(Washington Institute for Near East Policy) Simon Henderson - Diplomatic challenges could arise if the proposal to build a bridge across the Straits of Tiran linking Egypt and Saudi Arabia actually goes forward. The prospect of Israeli naval vessels sailing beneath a Saudi-Egyptian bridge could prompt heartburn in the kingdom. Moreover, Israel and Jordan will want to be consulted on such details as the bridge's height (e.g., to allow tankers, container ships, and cruise liners to pass). The U.S. will also have an interest - in 2013, the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge passed through the straits to visit Eilat. The writer is director of the Gulf and Energy Policy Program at The Washington Institute.