Officer will serve as a liaison to the US Navy's 5th Fleet, in first-ever Israeli military posting to an Arab country; army denies report, but says its under discussion

Key topic for discussion during defense minister's trip is ensuring safe passageway through Red Sea, a source of concern for Israel in light of recent attacks on vessels

Participants in 5th Fleet drill include countries that Israel has no formal ties with, like Saudi Arabia, Oman; IDF says drill will 'advance our regional cooperation'

USS Portland destroys floating target in the Gulf of Aden with system that could be used to counter bomb-laden drone boats deployed by Yemen's Houthi rebels in the Red Sea

Israeli F-15s accompany American B-1 heavy bombers coming from Gulf; joint flight comes amid growing threats by Jerusalem and Washington over Iranian nuke program

Naval exercise represents first public military cooperation between Jerusalem and Manama; comes amid growing tensions with Tehran

While there, Israeli FM speaks of the three countries' 'similar interests in the region' and the need to protect peace 'from those who would harm it'

Ministers Gantz and Lapid tell envoys from countries on the UN Security Council that IRGC's Saeed Ara Jani is responsible for strike on Mercer Street

Reports come after 6 vessels announced they were 'not under their command; Asphalt Princess tanker now heading toward Iran under control of armed men; Tehran denies involvement

Reports that Iranian-backed forces may have seized tanker; British military calls it a 'potential hijack'