The relationship between Saudi Arabia and Israel has been one of the most discreet yet significant in the Middle East. Both nations, while not having formal diplomatic ties for the majority of their contemporary history, have seen their relationship evolve, especially in recent years.
Historical Background
1. Establishment of Israel and Initial Stance (1948 – 1970s):
Following the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948, Saudi Arabia, along with other Arab states, did not recognize the new nation. The Saudi stance was driven by solidarity with the Palestinian cause and the general Arab consensus.
2. Shifts During the Cold War (1970s – 1990s):
Throughout the Cold War, Saudi Arabia and Israel found themselves on opposite sides of the U.S.-Soviet divide. Israel was backed by the U.S., while Saudi Arabia, though an ally of the U.S. in oil and regional politics, often sided with other Arab states that leaned towards the Soviet Union on the Israel issue. The Saudis were contributors to the Arab League’s economic boycott of Israel. However, the two nations also had a common interest in countering radical Arab nationalism and revolutionary Iran after 1979.
Winds of Change (2000s – Present)
3. Common Concerns Over Iran:
The emergence of Iran as a regional power has significantly influenced Saudi-Israeli dynamics. Both Riyadh and Tel Aviv share concerns over Iran’s nuclear program and its influence in the Middle East, particularly in Syria, Lebanon, and Yemen. This common concern has been a driving force behind the two nations’ covert cooperation and dialogue.
4. Economic and Technological Collaborations:
Though not openly acknowledged, there have been rumors and reports of covert economic and technological exchanges between the two countries, especially in areas of defense and intelligence.
5. The Abraham Accords:
While Saudi Arabia was not a direct signatory of the Abraham Accords (2020) – agreements which saw the normalization of relations between Israel and several Arab nations, including the UAE and Bahrain – the accords could not have progressed without Riyadh’s tacit approval. The accords indicate a shifting stance in the Gulf regarding Israel, and Saudi Arabia’s role in this cannot be understated.
Efforts to Ease Tensions
6. The Arab Peace Initiative (2002):
Spearheaded by Saudi Arabia, the Arab Peace Initiative proposed the normalization of relations between the entire Arab region and Israel in exchange for a full withdrawal from the territories occupied since 1967, a just solution to the Palestinian refugee problem, and the establishment of a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.
7. Quiet Diplomacy:
Reports of clandestine meetings between Saudi and Israeli officials have occasionally surfaced. These covert diplomatic channels have played a role in easing tensions and exploring potential areas of cooperation.
8. Public Opinion and Thought Leaders:
The younger generation of Saudis, influenced by global interconnectedness and the changing nature of regional politics, seems to be more open to the idea of normalized relations with Israel. Thought leaders and public figures in both countries have sometimes advocated for a closer relationship, emphasizing shared economic and security interests.
Conclusion
The Saudi-Israeli relationship has seen its share of tensions, but the past two decades have hinted at a thaw. Strategic interests, particularly concerning Iran, combined with economic opportunities and changing regional dynamics, have driven both nations closer. While they haven’t established formal diplomatic ties as of the last update in 2022, the trajectory suggests a potential future of increased cooperation and possibly, normalization.
