← Back to Documents
special-publication-230723.pdf
Path: /Users/duboy/side/case3/example-pdfs/special-publication-230723.pdf
Title: Silent Diplomacy: The Complex Dance of Israel and Saudi Arabia
Description: Explore the intricate web of relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia, where secretive security ties lay the groundwork for a delicate balancing act of diplomacy. With internal divisions and external pressures, both nations navigate a path towards normalization cautiously, shaped by strategic interests, regional dynamics, and historic sensitivities.
Status:
finished
Pages: 11
Uploaded:
2026-03-02 10:01
Last Processed: 2026-03-02 10:46
Chunks (18)
INSS
Special
Publication
The Road to Normalization: Relations
between Israel and Saudi Arabia
Yoel Guzansky | July 23, 2023
The possible normalization of Israel-Saudi relations is once again makin...
The Current Situation
A gradual - if slow process - of normalization between Israel and Saudi Arabia has
been underway for some time. Riyadh has taken a strategic decision to move
cautiously toward i...
The growing Iranian threat and Saudi doubts over US security support for the
Kingdom have encouraged channels of dialogue between Riyadh and Tehran and
the renewal of official relations between their ...
easier for the Saudis to move toward Israel, i.e., “normalization in exchange for
(protection from) Iran.”
For some time there have been quiet security relations between Saudi Arabia and
Israel. This...
With its economic
weight, the Kingdom can help calm the Israeli-Palestinian arena with financial
incentives for Palestinians that could also encourage a political process. Finally,
Israel welcomes the...
In return for official ties with Israel, Riyadh would presumably expect
gains that can be presented as an achievement that contributes to implementing
the two-state framework. However, as an interim s...
context:
Saudi Arabia's stance on officially establishing ties with Israel reveals internal differences among the leadership, with varying attitudes from senior officials.
Moreover, the Kingdom also makes sure it has room to deny its moves toward
Israel, by explaining they are intended to fulfill other needs. For example, on the
issue of allowing flights to and from Isr...
The Road to Normalization: Relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia
5 issue, and there is a political effort intended to bring about a breakthrough in the
Israeli-Saudi channel. In May 2023, US Natio...
These demands are
significant challenges to Israel and pose questions about the price of
normalization with Saudi Arabia. Compounding the questions are the warmer relations between Riyadh and
Beijing,...
The current Israeli
government sees no reason to start political discussions with the Palestinians to
promote the two-state framework. In fact, it appears to support the option of
bypassing the Palest...
fact:
A gradual - if slow process - of normalization between Israel and Saudi Arabia has been underway for some time. Riyadh has taken a strategic decision to move cautiously toward improved relations with Israel. Indeed, in recent years there has been slow movement toward more openness in these relations, as shown by statements and actions on the ground designed to test the waters and gradually accustom Saudi public opinion to possible closer relations with Israel in the future, given acceptance of its conditions for progress. For the Kingdom, caution on all aspects of normalization with Israel is essential, partly because of its status in the Muslim world, its status in the Arab world, anti-Israel sentiment among the Saudi public, and the country’s religious and conservative character. Nonetheless, Saudi Arabia has an interest in improving its relations with Israel and the dividends it can obtain on this account, particularly from the United States. As a result, the assessment is that there will be relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia, but not on the Abraham Accords model - the process will advance at a slower pace and with different parameters than those governing Israel’s relations with Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates, for example, and in view of the Kingdom's specific and particular sensitivities. The basis for growing closeness between Israel and Saudi Arabia over the last two decades is their similar (though not identical) perception of the strategic environment, and above all, their shared concerns about Iran's growing power. The similar Saudi and Israeli security needs will continue to be the main driver of rapprochement, although other elements are required for fully open relations. The growing Iranian threat and Saudi doubts over US security support for the Kingdom have encouraged channels of dialogue between Riyadh and Tehran and the renewal of official relations between their countries. For the Saudis, the move is intended to appease Iran to reduce the danger of conflict with it. Iran is therefore also a factor in relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia, as well as a challenge to the progress of such relations. Indeed, renewed relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia are to some extent harmful to Israel's attempts to establish an anti-Iran camp in the region. Nevertheless, the renewed relations are not in themselves a barrier to future normalization with Israel. It appears that security ties between Saudi Arabia and Israel have actually increased Tehran's interest in reducing the tensions with Riyadh. The Gulf states in general are worried about a possible conflict between Israel and Iran, and seek to distance themselves from the line of fire as much as possible, to avoid being seen as belonging to an anti-Iranian camp that includes Israel. Indeed, Iranian threats against the Emirates have grown stronger since the Abraham Accords were signed, and this could undermine the motivation of the Gulf states to reveal aspects of their relations with Israel. However, it is thought that US gestures toward Saudi Arabia regarding Iran (securities and weapons) will make it easier for the Saudis to move toward Israel, i.e., “normalization in exchange for (protection from) Iran.” For some time there have been quiet security relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel.
fact:
For some time there have been quiet security relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel. This security channel was the basis for the gradual development of more open relations, and it will continue even without such openness due to shared security interests.
fact:
Secret elements in the relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia should be distinguished from more public elements, which in recent years include: inter-faith dialogue, Saudi recognition of the Holocaust, promotion of tolerance and changes in textbooks, public meetings between former senior figures, more pragmatic statements about Israel from Saudi officials, positive coverage of Israel and the Abraham Accords in Saudi media, critical attitudes toward the Palestinian Authority, permission for Israeli aircraft to fly over Saudi Arabia, and de facto relaxation of the conditions for doing business with Israelis.
fact:
Senior Saudi officials have different nuances in their attitudes towards relations with Israel, with varying perspectives between figures like Mohammed bin Salman and his father King Salman.
fact:
State Minister of Foreign Affairs Aadel al-Jubeir highlighted Saudi Arabia's approach to normalization with Israel in preparation for the visit of US President Joe Biden in July 2022.
The initiative indicates the
need to end the Israeli-Palestinian dispute, establish normal relations with Israel,
and achieve a just solution for the Palestinian refugees, agreed by all parties,
inclu...
context:
Saudi Arabia's stance on officially establishing ties with Israel reveals internal differences among the leadership, with varying attitudes from senior officials.
fact:
In return for official ties with Israel, Riyadh would presumably expect gains that can be presented as an achievement contributing to the implementation of the two-state framework.
fact:
The positive statements regarding relations with Israel from acting Saudi rulers, bin Salman and Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan, are aimed at the US administration and public opinion.
context:
The Kingdom strategically takes small steps towards normalization with Israel while maintaining loyalty to the Palestinian cause and leaving room to deny their actions towards Israel for other purposes.
Public Opinion and Islamic Legitimacy
A series of polls of Saudi citizens before and after the Abraham Accords were
signed indicate ongoing opposition to normalization with Israel. The extent of the
...
In addition, the Islamic justifications for peace are intended to soften
the cognitive dissonance involved in moving from long years of conflict with Israel,
accompanied by religious tension, to a sit...
context:
Saudi Arabia's recent process of cultural and religious opening is contributing to a more moderate and tolerant image, potentially impacting attitudes towards Israel.
The
United Arab Emirates, for example, is examining whether Israel is complying with
its promise to refrain from annexing land in the West Bank and increasing its
cooperation with the Palestinians in ...
commitment to refrain from annexation and will demand moves on the
ground that do not weaken the Palestinian Authority. The United States: Israel has an interest in stronger Riyadh-Washington
ties, pa...
A move toward normalization could provide international dividends for the
Kingdom and help with ambitious development projects that the Crown
Prince is promoting in the framework of Vision 2030, as we...
Although the Saudis are mainly looking to the United States to reward them for
normalization, they will also need to show that the move yields benefits on the
Palestinian front. The Saudis still have ...
The Road to Normalization: Relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia
11