By Karam Makkaoui | Staff Writer
The relationship between Saudi Arabia and Israel has been a subject of intrigue and speculation, marked by occasional glimpses of thawing followed by diplomatic setbacks. The recent history of their interaction, particularly after October 7th, 2023, underscores the complexities and challenges inherent in their engagement.
In recent years, there have been indications of warming ties between the two countries. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MbS) hinted at the possibility of normalization, signaling a potential breakthrough in the Arab-Israeli relations. However, events such as the eruption of the war on Gaza following the October 7, 2023 attacks, the trajectory of both countries’ relationship has been altered. Before the Gaza war, there were significant diplomatic efforts underway, with both countries signaling a willingness to engage in dialogue. MbS, in interviews and discussions, emphasized the importance of Palestinian rights but also hinted at the potential for normalized relations with Israel, contingent upon certain conditions being met.
However, the outbreak of the Gaza conflict catalyzed reassessment. Saudi Arabia, long a supporter of Palestinian rights, found itself under pressure to prioritize the plight of Palestinians over diplomatic overtures with Israel. The Kingdom reiterated its commitment to Palestinian statehood and called for an end to Israeli aggression in Gaza as a prerequisite for any normalization with Israel. The dynamics of the Saudi-Israeli relationship are deeply intertwined with broader regional dynamics and geopolitical considerations. The fallout from the Gaza war underscored the delicate balancing act faced by Saudi Arabia, which seeks to maintain its standing in the Arab world while also pursuing its strategic interests. In the aftermath of the conflict, Saudi Arabia’s stance towards Israel became more nuanced. While maintaining its commitment to Palestinian rights, Saudi Arabia also indicated a willingness to engage in dialogue with Israel under the right conditions. However, the road to normalization appears fraught with obstacles, including the need to address Palestinian grievances and navigate regional sensitivities.
The role of the United States in facilitating Saudi-Israeli relations cannot be understated. American efforts to broker deals and provide security assurances to both Israel and KSA play a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of their engagement. However, progress toward normalization remains contingent upon addressing the underlying issues fueling regional tensions, particularly the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and Palestinian Statehood.
The United States, as a key player in the Middle East peace process, holds significant sway over the trajectory of Saudi-Israeli relations. American diplomatic efforts, particularly under the Biden administration, have sought to advance the cause of normalization while also addressing the underlying grievances of the Palestinian people. However, the intricacies of regional politics, compounded by the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, present formidable challenges. The Biden administration’s delicate balancing act involves navigating the demands of both Saudi Arabia and Israel while also managing the expectations of other regional stakeholders. Despite facing setbacks such as the outbreak of conflict in Gaza, the United States claims that it remains committed to facilitating dialogue and fostering conditions conducive to peace and stability in the region. As Washington continues to navigate the intricacies of Middle East diplomacy, its role in shaping the Saudi-Israeli relationship will remain pivotal in the quest for the progress and maintenance of Israeli-Arab normalization.
Looking ahead, the relationship between Saudi Arabia and Israel remains complex and multifaceted. While both countries may harbor ambitions for closer ties, the path to normalization is not smooth. The shifting dynamics of the Middle East, coupled with the enduring legacy of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict still reverberate in efforts to formalize and normalize Israeli-Arab ties in general and Saudi Arabian in particular.
Yet again, as the Palestinian struggle set itself as stage and center on the national scenes of Arab countries, a critical question still looms at large: Will the presumed threat of Iran to Saudi Arabia and Israel bring both countries closer overriding the Palestinian case, or will the Palestinian struggle for freedom prove itself to be a cause that cannot be overshadowed, dismissed, or suspended in the Israeli-Arab quest of normalization?
https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/saudi-arabia-says-there-will-be-no-diplomatic-relations-with-israel-without-an-2024-02-07/
https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2024/02/saudi-arabia-says-no-relations-israel-recognition-palestinian-state-1967-borders
https://www.cato.org/commentary/us-middle-east-policy-has-failed
https://www.aljazeera.com/amp/news/2023/9/21/whats-happening-with-normalising-ties-between-saudi-arabia-and-israel
https://www.voanews.com/a/saudi-arabia-normalized-ties-with-israel-come-only-with-palestinian-state/7436230.html