Condition for Recognizing Israel
Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan stated that Saudi Arabia might consider recognizing Israel as part of a comprehensive agreement, contingent on statehood for the Palestinians. This announcement comes amid ongoing conflict, and Prince Faisal emphasized the importance of peace for both Israel and the Palestinians, particularly through the establishment of a Palestinian state. Saudi Arabia has reportedly been working on regional peace initiatives in collaboration with the U.S., with a focus on Gaza. While normalization talks were reportedly delayed due to the Israel-Hamas conflict in October, a potential agreement with Saudi Arabia could significantly impact the Middle East’s geopolitical landscape.
Saudi Arabia’s Relationship with Israel before 2023
Prior to 2023, Saudi Arabia’s relationship with Israel was characterized by formal non-recognition and animosity, stemming from various historical and political factors:
Historical Issues
Palestinian Conflict: Saudi Arabia has long advocated for Palestinian statehood and condemned Israeli actions perceived as detrimental to Palestinian rights. The 1947 UN Partition Plan for Palestine and subsequent establishment of Israel were strongly opposed by Saudi Arabia.
Arab-Israeli Wars: Saudi Arabia participated in several Arab-Israeli conflicts, contributing militarily and financially to the Arab cause.
Also Read: Israel Devastates Gaza Area as Palestinian Death Toll Hits 3,785
Political Differences
Ideological Divide: Saudi Arabia, governed by an Islamic monarchy, held ideological differences with Israel, a primarily Jewish state.
Regional Rivalries: The Saudi-Iranian rivalry factored into their differing stances on Israel, with Saudi Arabia viewing Israel as a potential counterbalance to Iranian influence in the region.
Formal Non-Recognition
No Diplomatic Ties: Neither country had formal diplomatic relations, with Saudi Arabia not recognizing Israel’s sovereignty.
Limited Public Contact: Direct interaction between officials or citizens was uncommon and generally discouraged.
Signs of Shift
Covert Cooperation: Despite public stances, some reports suggested instances of covert security and intelligence cooperation between the two countries, particularly against Iran.
Economic Ties: Some limited economic exchanges occurred, though not officially acknowledged.
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2023 Onwards
Increased Engagement: Since 2023, signs of potential rapprochement have emerged, with talks between Saudi Arabia and Israel reportedly intensifying under US mediation.
After the Intense Airstrikes from Israel in the Palestinian territories, the negotiations of Israel and Saudi Arabia faced a set back.
Conditional Normalization: Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister hinted at potential recognition of Israel in exchange for a comprehensive agreement involving Palestinian statehood.
Overall
Prior to 2023, Saudi Arabia’s relationship with Israel was one of formal non-recognition and historical/political tension. However, recent developments suggest a potential shift towards increased engagement and even conditional normalization, driven by evolving regional dynamics and US pressure.