Talk Of Israel-Saudi Normalisation Intensifies After Sullivan Visit

Speculation on the potential for a normalisation of relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia has intensified in recent days in the aftermath of White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan's trip to Jeddah last week for talks with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. A US-Saudi joint defence pact may have been discussed, seen as a key plank in the US plans to formalise links between Israel and Saudi. Speaking at an event in Maine over the weekend, US President Joe Biden stated that “There’s a rapprochement that may be underway,” without giving any further details.

• The nascent plan already has some opposition. As would be expected, Tehran has spoken out, with Iranian foreign ministry spox Nasser Kanani stating that the normalisation of ties between Riyadh and Israel 'will harm regional peace and stability.'
• Domestically, main opposition leader Yair Lapid has claimed that Israel must not agree to a Saudi uranium enrichment programme as part of US-mediated effort to normalise relations.
• Reuters reportedon 30 July another potential sign of looming normalisation, stating that "Israel will build a 100 billion shekel ($27 billion) rail expansion that will connect its outlying areas to metropolitan Tel Aviv and, in the future, could provide overland links to Saudi Arabia...."
• Any normalisation agreement would have significant implications for regional security and relations. Would open major diplomatic and trade avenues for Israel, while re-establishing the US' position as the major foreign policy influence in a region where China and Russia have been increasing their presence.