Is Saudi-Israel normalization still on track?

Meir Ben Shabbat: Saudi Arabia’s fundamental interest in establishing relations with Israel has not changed. It will be difficult for it to do so while a war is ongoing, but that doesn’t mean it has backed away from this goal.

Saudi Arabia’s strategic calculus is shaped not only by its national interests but also by a shared desire to see Hamas, and by extension the Muslim Brotherhood, eliminated as a regional force. Even if it does not declare it publicly, Saudi Arabia certainly wants Israel to defeat Hamas.

Published in JNS, June  15, 2025.