Saudi Crown Prince is a partner of Israel, says Israel envoy

The powerful Saudi Crown Prince has become an ally of Israel, the Israeli ambassador to Egypt has said, in the latest sign of warming relations between the two longtime enemies.

David Govrin made the remarks on Tuesday at an event in the Egyptian capital to celebrate the 70th anniversary of Israeli statehood, the Israeli government's Arabic-language Twitter account reported.

"We take note of the change in Arab countries' treatment towards Israel. It is no longer considered an enemy but a partner within the framework of a new and better reality for the region," Govrin said.

"The Saudi Crown Prince joining the vision of stability and economic development shared by Egypt and Israel is an important milestone,"

"We have to broaden this partnership to additional states in order to advance common interests to combat Iranian-inspired states and terrorist groups," he added.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman has recently made a series of controversial comments seen as supportive of Israel.

A previously inconceivable strategic alliance seems to have fostered between Saudi Arabia and Israel over their mutual interest in thwarting Iranian regional drives.

Prince Mohammad last month said Israel has a "right" to a homeland, prompting King Salman to scramble to reject his son's declaration.

He also reportedly said Palestinians should accept a peace deal with Israel or "shut up".

The ambassador's words came as Israel and Saudi Arabia hailed US President Donald Trump decision to pull out of the Iran nuclear deal.

Govrin said that the common interests between Tel Aviv and Arab states, included confronting Iranian ambitions to produce nuclear weapons and its backing of extremist groups in Syria and Lebanon.

Egypt and Jordan are the only Arab states to have formal peace treaties with Israel.