Netanyahu's Saudi Normalization Push Faces Hurdles Amid Regional Instability
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly spoken of the possibility of normalizing relations with Saudi Arabia, a prospect he has pursued since at least 2016. According to the Maariv newspaper, Netanyahu views Saudi Arabia as a pivotal Arab nation whose influence on global oil prices is significant. He believes that if Saudi Arabia joins the Abraham Accords, it, along with Israel, could lead the Middle East, attracting substantial Saudi investment.
For a decade, Saudi Arabia has been a key political talking point for Netanyahu, aimed at distancing Israel from the Palestinian issue and strengthening ties with the United States. However, recent attacks on oil facilities and U.S. bases in the region, attributed to Iran and the Houthis, have shattered perceptions of Gulf states' invulnerability. This has exposed Saudi Arabia's security and image challenges, impacting Netanyahu's and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's regional strategies.
The author suggests that the Gulf states' dependence on oil revenue and external security guarantees has become evident. While financial power allowed them influence, their military capabilities, despite significant investment, have proven limited in actual conflict. The internal sentiments within the Saudi elite regarding bin Salman's policies remain unclear.
Despite these challenges, Netanyahu continues to advocate for military pressure on Iran and links a potential Saudi agreement to their adherence to the Abraham Accords. Since 2016, Netanyahu has presented a favorable narrative, anticipating an alliance with the U.S. and Saudi Arabia to form a new regional bloc, with a conflict with Iran potentially catalyzing this process.
A major obstacle remains Saudi Arabia's stance: Riyadh conditions even a limited agreement with Israel on the establishment of a Palestinian state. Previous reports indicate that Saudi Arabia also links normalization with Israel to a change in Netanyahu's government and progress on the Palestinian issue.
