Leaked Israel cable 'orders top diplomats to back Riyadh against Tehran, Hizballah'

Israel has reportedly ordered its ambassadors around the world to back Saudi Arabia in its campaign against Iran and Lebonon's Hizballah group, sparking fresh speculation of Saudi-Israeli collusion.

A diplomatic cable leaked to Israeli television broadcaster Channel 10 this week said that Tel Aviv has instructed its foreign envoys to lobby in support of Riyadh.

The memo urged ambassadors to contact "highest officials" in their host countries to stress that the recent resignation of Lebanon's prime minister, Saad Hariri, exposed the dangers of Iran and Hizballah.

"Hariri's resignation proves wrong the argument that Hizballah participation in the government stabilises Lebanon," the cable says.

It also calls on the diplomats to back Saudi Arabia in its war in Yemen, emphasising that a recently missile directed at Riyadh by Houthi rebels required "more pressure on Iran and Hizballah".

Hariri announced on November 4 in a televised statement from Riyadh that he would be stepping down from the post.

Hariri's resignation came as a shock. He accused Hizballah, the powerful Shia movement that is part of his government but also close to Iran, of controlling Lebanon.

Many observers saw his stepping down as being ordered by Saudi Arabia - Iran's biggest regional rival.

The leaked classified cable appear to confirm rumours that Israel and Saudi Arabia have been colluding against their mutual enemy Iran.

Israeli radio recently reported that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had secretly met officials in Israel - an allegation Riyadh has denied.

In 2002, Saudi Arabia proposed a peace initiative offering Arab countries' recognition of Israel in return for Israel's withdrawal from territories occupied in 1967 and the creation of a Palestinian state.

The plan was never put into action.

Israeli media has recently reported that a $500 billion plan to create a business and industrial zone across its borders into Jordan and Egypt, could lead to Riyadh formally recognising Israel.