Saudi Arabia's big foreign policy U Turn on Israel
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Saudi Arabia has decided to halt its US-supported efforts to normalize relations with Israel, indicating a rapid shift in its foreign policy focus due to the escalating conflict between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas. This conflict has prompted Saudi Arabia to engage with Iran, with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman holding his first phone call with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in an attempt to prevent a wider escalation of violence in the region.
According to two sources cited by Reuters, there will be a delay in the talks aimed at normalizing relations with Israel, which was a significant step for Saudi Arabia in its pursuit of a US defense pact.
Prior to the outbreak of hostilities initiated by Hamas on October 7 with a devastating attack on Israel, both Israeli and Saudi leaders had been indicating progress towards a potential agreement that could have reshaped the Middle East.
Saudi Arabia had previously signaled its commitment to pursuing a US defense pact even if Israel did not make substantial concessions to the Palestinians in their quest for statehood.
However, a strategy that sidelines the Palestinian issue could risk the ire of Arab nations in the region, especially as Arab media outlets broadcast images of Palestinians killed in Israeli retaliatory airstrikes. The conflict has resulted in a significant number of casualties on both sides.
