Saudi–Israeli Normalization: The Deal That May Never Happen

posted on: Nov 11, 2025

By: Amir Kobeissi / Arab America Contributing Writer

In recent years, relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel have been strained, yet they remain central to the Middle East and the wider Arab region. Talks of normalization often seem limited, with political, religious, and regional challenges limiting progress. Saudi Arabia’s hesitation is closely tied to recognition of a Palestinian state with strong U.S. backing.

Background and Regional Transitions

Saudi and Israeli normalization gained attention in 2020 with the signing of the Abraham Accords in countries such as the UAE and Bahrain. This agreement aimed to establish peace and normalize relations between Israel and several key Arab nations. Saudi Arabia, with its close ties to the United States and its status as one of the most influential countries in the region, was expected to follow this same path. However, they were not so quick to act and emphasized the importance of Palestinian sovereignty and safety before making any further progress.

High-ranking U.S. diplomats have made strong efforts in pushing for Saudi Arabia to normalize, and have offered security guarantees and continued aid to the Palestinian areas. The ongoing conflict in Gaza has prevented such a deal from taking place, and a major split in the wider Arab world has made any potential deal seem controversial or unethical.

The Palestinian Cause

Saudi Arabia has made their conditions fairly clear, and that Arab recognition of Israel would only be negotiated if an independent Palestinian state were established and recognized. The current government in Israel has shown acts of hostility and rejection towards Palestinian demands. And the tragedies in Gaza have made a large portion of the Arab world very hostile when normalization is mentioned. Saudi Arabia’s Prince Muhammad Bin Salman has demonstrated a distinctly modern approach to foreign policy, which has drawn criticism from neighboring Middle Eastern countries. With limited peace plans for Palestine, relations with Israel could be viewed as a betrayal of the Palestinian cause.

U.S. Leverage and Security

Pressure from the United States to normalize can be seen as a way to contain Iran and bring stability to the Middle East. The U.S. has offered substantial security guarantees to Saudi Arabia if it can reach a deal, but Saudi Arabia appears to be uncertain whether these will be sustained, as shifting alliances have been constantly changing and evolving. Balancing relations with both the West and neighboring countries can be a tough task for Saudi Arabia if it goes in the direction of normalization.

Public Views and Religious Symbolism

The view of normalization among citizens of Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern countries remains a major obstacle to navigate. This has made it very difficult for Saudi to embrace open relations with Israel. The Palestinian struggle serves as a religious and moral movement that has shown great importance in connection to Islam’s holy sites in Jerusalem.

Saudi Arabia is home of some of Islam’s most holiest sites, notably Mecca and Medina, and these places hold a great significance to Muslims all over the world. Any clear alliance or partnership with Israel could limit progress in Jerusalem, and damage Saudi’s reputation as one of the leading countries in the Muslim world.

Potential Benefits and Possibilties

From an economic perspective, normalization may potentially bring benefits and increase tourism between the two countries. Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 plan focuses on expanding its economy away from oil and brining global powers together. A potential partnership with Israel could better this goal if conditions in the region are improved. The conflict in Gaza showing little signs of improvement could prevent any potential deals from taking place, and constant protest and outrage has seen to pause any deals from moving further.

Conclusion

The Saudi and Israeli normalization deal is both an idea and a long shot. It may seem to promise a new Middle East characterized by peace, cooperation, and limited conflict, but it could also significantly impact a regionshaped by history, religion, and faith. If Palestinian statehood and rights are not seriously addressed, public opinion will speak out, and normalization will be out of question. As of now, the deal that could reshape the Middle East remains more of a rumor than a reality.

Want more articles like this? Sign up for our e-newsletter!

Check our blog here!