Special to WorldTribune.com

Amid the drama of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s trip to Washington, another element of a major story has been overlooked.

Arab governments share Israel’s concerns about Iran’s nuclear program but also intensely feel the implications of a fundamental U.S. shift from traditional alliances in the region to Iran in a transformation of the Mideast balance of power.

Saudi Arabia has signaled its willingness to facilitate an air strike, according to media reports largely overshadowed by Netanyahu’s  last-minute bid to stop the U.S. diplomatic push for rapproachement with Iran.

Israel’s Channel 2 reported that senior Saudi officials had signaled European intermediaries that Israel could use Saudi air space for strikes against Iran nuclear facilities.

Several Arab states have said that a deal allowing Iran to continue developing its nuclear capabilities would force them to develop their own, the Wall Street Journal reported Feb. 27.

Among the nations rattled by their briefings from Iran on its development of nuclear technology are Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.