Saudi Arabia Delays Plans for Israel Ties Amid Escalating Conflict
Saudi Arabia has halted its US-backed plans for normalizing ties with Israel indefinitely, according to sources cited by Reuters. This move signals a significant reevaluation of the kingdom’s foreign policy priorities as the conflict between Israel and Hamas intensifies.
The escalating war has also prompted Saudi Arabia to engage with Israel’s archenemy, Iran. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman recently received a phone call from Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi as Riyadh aims to prevent further violence across the region.
The talks on normalization with Israel, which were seen as a crucial step for Saudi Arabia to secure a defense pact with the United States, will now be delayed. It remains to be seen whether Riyadh will demand greater concessions from Israel regarding the Palestinian issue when discussions resume.
The decision by Saudi Arabia reflects the challenges facing the United States’ efforts to deepen Israel’s integration in a region where the Palestinian cause remains a major concern for Arab nations. Normalizing ties with Israel was already regarded as controversial in the Arab world, and the ongoing conflict has only intensified opposition to the idea.
Despite Washington’s urging, Saudi Arabia has refrained from condemning the Hamas attack. US sources have confirmed that the Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan pushed back against pressure from the United States.
In the meantime, the Gulf rivals Saudi Arabia and Iran have reestablished diplomatic ties, prompted by a Chinese-brokered initiative earlier this year. The recent phone call between the Saudi crown prince and Iran’s president aimed to support Palestine and prevent further escalation in the region. The call, which lasted 45 minutes, was reportedly viewed positively by Iranian officials.
While this news represents a setback for US efforts to strengthen Israel’s standing in the Middle East, it also highlights the complexities of regional dynamics. The conflict has reminded the Middle East that longstanding tensions and divisions persist among Arab nations.
In conclusion, Saudi Arabia’s decision to delay its plans for normalizing ties with Israel reflects a significant shift in its foreign policy priorities amid the escalating conflict. The kingdom’s engagement with Iran underscores the complexities of regional relationships. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the dynamics in the Middle East will evolve.
