Normalization

The moment for a Saudi peace initiative has arrived, but on new terms - opinion

As the region’s most influential Arab and Muslim state, Saudi Arabia's choices will shape the trajectory of normalization far beyond its own borders.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman
A pro-Palestinian protester flies a "Free Palestine" flag an the Auraria Campus in Denver, Colodaro, May 14, 2024; illustrative.

Majority of young American adults 'active in Hamas resistance,' Khaled Mashaal claims

US President Donald Trump and Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman attend the US-Saudi Investment Forum in Washington on Wednesday. Israel’s quiet over the F-35 deal is part of a strategy, the writer maintains.

‘Which model for the Middle East?’: Trump and MBS bet on a Saudi-centered order - analysis

US President Donald Trump and Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman attend the US-Saudi Investment Forum in Washington on Wednesday. Israel’s quiet over the F-35 deal is part of a strategy, the writer maintains.

Israel's silence over US' F-35 deal with Saudi Arabia is strategy, not indifference - opinion


'Saudi uranium enrichment will spark a nuclear arms race,' Lapid says

Opposition leader Yair Lapid warned that “Israel can’t agree to uranium enrichment in Saudi Arabia, because it endangers its national security."

 Head of the Yesh Atid party MK Yair Lapid speaks during a faction meeting at the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, on July 17, 2023

Israel-Saudi peace can end all hope for Palestinian statehood - opinion

Netanyahu is unwilling and unable to give Saudis and Americans what they say they want – Palestinian statehood – but in reality, both are willing to settle for much less.

 US PRESIDENT Joe Biden, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and Secretary of State Antony Blinken work behind the scenes at a G20 summit meeting last year. Blinken and Sullivan are said to be involved in an effort to broker an Israeli-Saudi deal.

Palestinians kept in dark about potential Israeli-Saudi normalization - analysis

The Palestinian Authority said they were aware of US efforts to push for an Israeli-Saudi peace deal, but said no one from Riyadh has spoken with them about it.

 PA President Mahmoud Abbas.

Israel split on Saudi nuclear program as US advances normalization deal

The Wall Street Journal reported that the US and Saudi Arabia agreed on broad terms for normalization which would be expected within a year.

 Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, June 6, 2023

Israel FM Cohen calls for US-Saudi nuclear defense agreement in normalization deal

Cohen’s statement comes as the US works to bring about diplomatic relations between Jerusalem and Riyadh.

 Foreign Minister Eli Cohen talks during a news conference with Cyprus Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos and Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias at the Presidential Palace in Nicosia, Cyprus March 31, 2023

Israel-Saudi deal unlikely in near future - opinion

A deal between Israel and Saudi Arabia would effectively be a ginormous step forward in ending the Israel-Arab conflict.

 ACCORDING TO Thomas Friedman, US President Joe Biden is still not committed to a Saudi-Israeli deal.

Israel-Saudi peace deal: Manageable risk for high reward - opinion

Chances for a deal with Saudi Arabia are high, the risks manageable, and the value overwhelming.

 US PRESIDENT Joe Biden and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman attend the Gulf Cooperation Council +3 meeting in Jeddah, last summer.

Palestinians must fight to stop Israel-Saudi normalization - opinion

Israeli-Saudi peace is a good thing, but only when it also includes ending the occupation and reaching Israeli-Palestinian peace.

 PRIME MINISTER Benjamin Netanyahu and Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman in separate photographs.

Israel will have direct flights to Mecca by 2024, FM Cohen predicts

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government had hoped it could arrange for direct flights between the two countries, even in advance of the deal, but to date, those efforts have not borne fruit.

 Muslims perform their evening prayers around the holy Kaaba as they start arriving to perform the annual Haj in the Grand Mosque, in the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, June 16, 2023.

How not to make peace between Israel and Saudi Arabia - opinion

I don’t even think Biden can make peace with Netanyahu, his supposed friend for decades, who he has been snubbing unnecessarily for more than seven months. 

 SAUDI ARABIA’S Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman meets with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Jeddah, in June. The Saudis just don’t trust America under Biden, the writer argues.