‘Israel to join US-led coalition in Persian Gulf’

JERUSALEM (AA) – Israeli Foreign Minister Yisrael Katz has said that his country will join the US-led coalition, to protect trade routes in the Persian Gulf, Israeli media reported on Tuesday.

According to an Israeli daily Yedioth Ahronoth, Katz claimed that he had recently met a "high ranking persona" from the United Arab Emirates, to improve ties between Israel and Arab states.

“Israel is part of the U.S.-led coalition to protect trade routes in the Persian Gulf,” Katz said.

“It is an Israeli interest to stop Iranian entrenchment in the region and strengthen relationship with Gulf countries,” he added.

According to the newspaper, Katz said in a meeting of ministers that Israel has no conflict with Gulf nations.

Last month, Iran seized a British-flagged tanker in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, in a retaliatory action, for the seizure of an Iranian vessel by Gibraltar -- a British overseas territory. Tension has been running high in the region since then.