Sources say Gaza war and Riyadh's shifting stance rule out Saudi normalization for now; limited security talks underway with Syria’s al-Sharaa; FM Sa'ar: Israel seeks to bring Syria, Lebanon and others in Asia, Africa into peace circle

 

Sources say #Gaza war and #Riyadh's shifting stance rule out Saudi normalization for now; limited security talks underway with Syria’s al-Sharaa; FM Sa'ar: Israel seeks to bring Syria, Lebanon and others in Asia, Africa into peace circle

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Senior Israeli cabinet officials say prospects for normalizing relations with Saudi Arabia remain slim, contrary to recent media reports, citing a range of political and regional factors.

Officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that as long as the war in Gaza continues, Riyadh will not join the U.S.-brokered Abraham Accords. They added that Israel’s standing in Saudi Arabia has weakened in recent years and that the kingdom no longer views diplomatic ties with Israel as a strategic necessity.

The officials cited Syria as an example where quiet talks between Israel and Arab nations had advanced, but not toward full peace — only limited security understandings.

During the Biden administration, Saudi Arabia had pursued a mutual defense pact with the United States, requiring backing from Israel to help secure two-thirds support in the U.S. Senate. That backing was considered necessary due to opposition from Democratic lawmakers over Saudi Arabia’s human rights record. However, officials said such a pact is even less likely under President Donald Trump, and Saudi Arabia no longer sees value in seeking Israeli support for it.

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