Recent Developments and the Changing Landscape
In recent months, there have been growing signs that Israel and Saudi Arabia, two regional powerhouses, are making renewed efforts toward normalization of diplomatic relations. While formal ties have not yet been established, a series of high-level meetings and behind-the-scenes talks have raised speculation that a breakthrough could be on the horizon.
High-Level Meetings and Shared Interests
In December 2020, Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman hosted a meeting with then-Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. This high-profile encounter marked the first known face-to-face meeting between top leaders of the two countries in years. The meeting reportedly focused on a range of issues of mutual interest, including security and regional stability.
Following the meeting, there have been further signs of rapprochement. Saudi officials have eased restrictions on Israeli flights over their airspace, and there have been reports of increased cooperation in areas such as intelligence sharing and counterterrorism.
Underlying Drivers and Potential Benefits
The motivations behind the renewed efforts towards normalization are complex and multifaceted. For Israel, a normalization agreement with Saudi Arabia would be a major diplomatic coup that would bolster its standing in the region and unlock economic opportunities. Saudi Arabia, on the other hand, may see normalization as a way to gain greater influence in the region and strengthen its relationship with the United States.
Furthermore, both countries share a common concern over the growing influence of Iran in the Middle East. A normalization agreement could help them form a united front against what they perceive as a shared threat.
Challenges and Remaining Obstacles
Despite the progress that has been made, there are still significant challenges and obstacles that could prevent the normalization process from being successful. These include:
- Palestinians Issue: The Palestinian issue remains a major sticking point in any potential normalization agreement between Israel and Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia has traditionally supported the Palestinian cause, and any normalization with Israel could be seen as a betrayal of that support.
- Public Opinion: Public opinion in both countries is not universally supportive of normalization. There are significant segments of the population in both Israel and Saudi Arabia who oppose closer ties with the other country.
- Regional Dynamics: The normalization process could be affected by the broader dynamics of the Middle East. If other regional actors, such as Iran or Turkey, see the move as a threat to their interests, they may attempt to undermine it.
Conclusion
The renewed efforts towards normalization between Israel and Saudi Arabia represent a significant development in the region. While there are still challenges to overcome, the growing convergence of interests between the two countries suggests that a breakthrough could be possible. If successful, normalization would have far-reaching implications for the political and economic landscape of the Middle East.
Kind regards
E. Thompson
