Efforts to normalize relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia have recently faced challenges due to ongoing tensions with Hamas. Despite these setbacks, Saudi Arabia has signaled a continued interest in establishing peaceful relations with Israel, even amidst criticism directed at the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
In an interview with Israel Hayom, an unnamed Saudi official highlighted that while the conflict impedes progress in diplomatic discussions, it does not reflect Riyadh's disinterest in diplomatic ties with Jerusalem. This position comes at a time when certain events could further complicate these efforts, including a notable incident involving a U.S. delegation centered on religious freedom. The visit to Saudi Arabia was cut short following an episode at Diriyah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site near Riyadh, where Orthodox Rabbi Abraham Cooper was asked to remove his kippah. Rabbi Cooper's refusal brought to light underlying issues of religious freedom and the respect for Jewish identities within the kingdom.
When I,Mort Klein,ZOA pres ,visited Saudi Arabia with colleagues, we were asked not to wear yarmulkes. In our mtg in a major foreign ministry room, the large wall map, as in the maps in the Saudi plane,showed Palestine-no Israel.I was promised they would add Israel-never happened https://t.co/JjezgRivGs
— Morton Klein (@MortonAKlein7) March 12, 2024
Saudi authorities have since described the situation as a regrettable misunderstanding of their internal protocols, with the Saudi Embassy in the U.S. acknowledging the incident. It stated that the matter had been escalated to senior officials and resolved, expressing hope for Rabbi Cooper's return to Saudi Arabia.
Politically, Saudi Arabia maintains a neutral stance towards Israel's prime ministerial contenders, signaling readiness to advance normalization efforts under the leadership of either Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu or Minister Benny Gantz. However, reservations have been voiced over Netanyahu's approach to the Palestinians, suggesting it could hinder dialogue.
Crown prince of Saudi Arabia MBS
— Alaa Alqwasmi 🇯🇴 (@Alaa_h_qawasmi) March 12, 2024
Israel and Saudi Arabia moving closer to normalization 😏
ولي العهد السعودي MBS,
إسرائيل والسعودية تقتربان من التطبيع 😏 pic.twitter.com/fsGHQi1pfV
Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan has outlined the kingdom's expectation for a clear path toward the establishment of a Palestinian state as a condition for normalization. This stance underscores the significance Riyadh places on progress in Palestinian statehood initiatives.
The political atmosphere in Israel, described by former senior Saudi official Mohamed Al Harbi as dominated by its most right-wing government yet, poses further obstacles. Criticisms have been leveled against key Israeli government figures, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, for their perceived lack of military and diplomatic acumen. Al Harbi emphasized Saudi Arabia's priorities in ending the conflict, providing humanitarian aid, resolving hostage situations, and addressing displacement issues, suggesting that normalization could be contingent upon the creation of a Palestinian state.
Officials do not rule out normalizing ties with Israel even under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.https://t.co/gWXEXMO1mq#Israel #MiddleEast #SaudiArabia #Riyadh #Jerusalem #AbrahamAccords
— Israel Hayom English (@IsraelHayomEng) March 14, 2024
As the holy month of Ramadan approaches, King Salman's appeal for an end to the conflict signals a broader desire for peace and stability in the region. It implies that, despite current impediments, the prospect for normalization between Saudi Arabia and Israel could see a positive shift, contingent on suitable conditions and leadership changes, potentially paving the way for a new era in Middle Eastern diplomacy.
