Israel and Saudi Arabia Move Closer to Normalization

Israel is on the cusp of a historic breakthrough, with normalization talks with Saudi Arabia closer than ever before. In an exclusive interview with The Jerusalem Post, Israel's newly appointed ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter, revealed that the two nations are on the verge of an agreement that could reshape the Middle East.

Leiter, who officially began his role on Friday, sees this potential deal as a “game changer” for the region and beyond. He emphasized that the growing alliance between Israel and Saudi Arabia is part of a broader strategic realignment in the Middle East, driven by the decline of Iran-backed groups such as Hamas, Hezbollah, and the weakening influence of Iran itself. "We’re closer to Saudi Arabia because we’ve degraded Hamas," Leiter said. "The fall of Assad and the weakening of Iran’s influence have brought us to a moment of opportunity."

Leiter noted that Saudi Arabia shares Israel’s interest in degrading Hamas, seeing the group as a threat to regional stability and modernization. “There are few countries in the world, aside from Israel, that want to see Hamas degraded more than Saudi Arabia," he explained. Saudi Arabia, like other countries in the region, views the defeat of extremist groups as key to its own security and modernization efforts.

This shift in alliances has become more apparent as Saudi Arabia recognizes the importance of confronting groups like Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood. These developments align with Israel's broader strategy of regional stability and security, which is also reshaping its diplomatic and military ties across the Middle East.

Leiter reflected on how far Israel has come since the days of regional isolation. “Thirty years ago, even discussing such an agreement would have been unthinkable. Now, thanks to the Abraham Accords and changing dynamics, we are on the cusp of a major breakthrough,” he said. The ambassador stressed that normalization is not just about trade deals or diplomatic gestures, but about creating a new framework for regional stability, one that rejects extremism and fosters cooperation.

However, the issue of Palestinian rights remains a significant challenge to this normalization. "The Saudis want to ensure that their public sees tangible benefits for the Palestinians in any deal," Leiter acknowledged, describing it as a "delicate balancing act" that can be managed through pragmatic negotiations and international support.

The Bigger Picture: Israel’s Role in the Global Geopolitical Shift

Leiter, who has an extensive background in politics, history, and philosophy, highlighted how Israel’s evolving relationships with Saudi Arabia and other regional players could contribute to reshaping global geopolitics. He emphasized that Israel’s role is not just about security in the Middle East but also about reaffirming the values of liberal democracy.

According to Leiter, the United States plays a critical role in this reshaping, with President Donald Trump’s “creative practicality” aligning with Israel’s strategic objectives. He praised Trump’s decisiveness, particularly regarding Iran’s nuclear ambitions, which he described as a central focus of Israel’s security concerns.

Leiter’s appointment and his statements signal a new phase in Israel's diplomatic efforts, where the country is no longer isolated but rather at the center of a new regional and global alignment. The normalization with Saudi Arabia would mark a historic moment, underscoring the shifting alliances and shared goals of stability, security, and modernization.

The road ahead for this agreement will undoubtedly involve challenges, especially concerning the Palestinian issue. However, Leiter remains optimistic that pragmatic solutions can be found to address these sensitive matters, ultimately paving the way for a more stable and cooperative Middle East.