Behind scenes of Israel-Saudi deal, Pentagon works Arab air defense shield

May 22, 2024 This is an excerpt from Security Briefing, Al-Monitor’s weekly newsletter covering defense and conflict developments in the Middle East. To get Security Briefing in your inbox, sign up here. WASHINGTON — As the Biden administration touts a bilateral deal with Saudi Arabia linked to a historic normalization with Israel, Pentagon officials are working behind the scenes to firm up what defense officials hope will be a cornerstone of Washington's broader Middle East strategy for years to come. Senior Pentagon officials sat down with Arab military brass in Riyadh on Wednesday to discuss expanding nascent Middle East air…