Saudi Arabia has opted to suspend plans, supported by the United States, to normalize relations with Israel in light of the deepening conflict between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas, according to information from two insiders familiar with Riyadh’s perspective, as reported by Reuters.
The escalating war has also prompted the kingdom to initiate diplomatic discussions with Iran. Riyadh, in its efforts to avert a broader surge in violence throughout the region, has seen Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) receive his first telephone conversation with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi.
As outlined by two informants, discussions supported by the United States for normalization with Israel will experience delays, as this process is seen as a pivotal move for Saudi Arabia to secure a defense agreement with the United States.
Before the outbreak of hostilities between Hamas and Israel, both Israeli and Saudi leadership were progressing toward an agreement that had the potential to transform the dynamics of the Middle East.
