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Saudi Arabia’s relationship with Israel has been historically complex and mostly characterized by indirect involvement and evolving positions that reflect broader Arab-Israeli tensions, regional politics, and its strategic alliance with the United States.
Historical Context and Strife
Following the creation of Israel in 1948, Saudi Arabia, like most Arab nations, did not recognize the state of Israel and supported the Palestinian cause, both politically and financially. Saudi Arabia participated in the Arab-Israeli war in 1948, albeit not as a major combatant, and subsequently maintained a state of non-recognition and official hostility towards Israel, in line with the collective Arab stance.
Saudi Arabia’s contribution to the Arab-Israeli conflict has been primarily through financial support for Palestinian groups and through the use of oil as a political tool. During the 1973 Yom Kippur War, Saudi Arabia participated in the oil embargo against the United States and other countries that supported Israel, which had a significant global economic impact and marked one of the clearest intersections of Saudi influence, the Arab-Israeli conflict, and U.S. foreign policy.
The Palestinian Cause
Saudi Arabia has consistently advocated for the Palestinian cause on international platforms and has been a key financial supporter of Palestinian authorities and refugees. This support has often been seen within the framework of the broader Arab solidarity with Palestinians and opposition to Israeli occupation.
Saudi-U.S. Relationship Impact
The Saudi relationship with the United States has influenced Riyadh’s approach to Israel. As a key U.S. ally in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia has had to balance its commitment to the Palestinian cause with the strategic imperatives of its relationship with Washington, which has been the strongest supporter of Israel. This has occasionally led to delicate diplomatic maneuvers, especially as the U.S. has sought to broker peace agreements in the region.
Changing Dynamics
In recent years, the dynamics of Saudi Arabia’s involvement with Israel have shown signs of pragmatic shifts. Although Saudi Arabia still does not officially recognize Israel, there has been speculation about behind-the-scenes diplomatic communications, primarily due to a shared concern over Iran’s regional influence and nuclear ambitions. This tacit cooperation has been part of a larger regional realignment, as seen with the Abraham Accords, which normalized relations between Israel and several Arab states, though not including Saudi Arabia itself.
The U.S. has played a pivotal role in this shift, encouraging Sunni Arab states to establish ties with Israel as a counterbalance to Iran and as part of a broader peace initiative. The U.S. has also provided security guarantees to both Israel and Saudi Arabia, which has been an underlying factor in the slowly changing Saudi stance.
Conclusion
While Saudi Arabia has not been directly involved in military conflicts with Israel since the early days of the Arab-Israeli wars, its influence has been felt through financial support for Palestinians, the use of oil as a diplomatic tool, and its significant role in shaping Arab League policies. The relationship between Saudi Arabia and the United States has been a key determinant in the kingdom’s policy towards Israel, balancing strategic interests with traditional support for Palestinians. As regional alliances continue to shift, Saudi Arabia’s role in relation to Israel remains a subject of considerable geopolitical interest and speculation.
