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Israel and Saudi Arabia: No Longer Enemies But Not Quite Friends

(Bloomberg) Vivian Nereim and Daniel Avis - Previously clandestine links between Saudi Arabia and Israel are increasingly visible as some of the Middle East's deep-seated rivalries cautiously give way to pragmatic economic and security ties. Saudi crown prince and de facto leader Mohammed bin Salman is seeking to accelerate his plans to overhaul an oil-reliant economy, while Israel is keen to build on 2020's diplomatic breakthroughs with smaller Gulf nations. "We do not view Israel as an enemy, but rather as a potential ally," Prince Mohammed said earlier this year. Israel and Gulf nations established largely hidden security ties over shared concerns, especially Iran. But it's primarily the strong economic motivation driving more visible relations now. The kingdom's religious and regional prominence dictates different political considerations than those of smaller neighbors. In this mixed atmosphere, Saudi officials maintain that a resolution between Israelis and Palestinians remains at the core of their policy. Normalization is "borderline offensive to keep talking about" and isn't a policy goal in and of itself, Princess Reema bint Bandar, Saudi Arabia's ambassador to the U.S., said in June.
2022-09-05 00:00:00
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