In light of the intensifying conflict between Israel and Hamas, Saudi Arabia has decided to temporarily suspend its plans for normalizing relations with Israel, swiftly reassessing its foreign policy priorities, according to sources familiar with Riyadh’s thinking.
Amid the ongoing war, the Kingdom has sought to engage with Iran, evident in the first phone call between Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) and Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi. The pause in US-backed talks on normalizing ties with Israel is seen as a strategic move to secure a defense pact with the United States, contingent upon substantial concessions for Palestinians.
While striving to prevent a broader escalation in the region, Saudi Arabia remains resolute in not allowing the pursuit of a defense pact to overshadow Palestinian statehood concerns. However, sidelining Palestinian interests might provoke discontent among Arab nations.
The recent developments underscore the challenges faced by Washington in integrating Israel further into a region where the Palestinian cause remains a significant concern.
Despite Washington’s efforts to encourage condemnation of the Hamas attack, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan resisted, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s nuanced approach to the conflict.
The call between the Saudi crown prince and Iran’s president, facilitated by a Chinese-brokered initiative earlier this year, emphasizes Riyadh’s commitment to regional stability. Saudi Arabia’s diplomatic efforts to contain the crisis align with Iran’s stance on supporting Palestine and averting widespread regional conflict.
The promising conversation, sanctioned by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, marks a significant step in fostering potential diplomatic ties between the two regional powers- Input from Reuters
