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Herzog, Saudi official interviews revive Saudi-Israel ties amid Iran strikes on Gulf - analysis

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

Analysis Named sources Context piece
  • Israeli President Isaac Herzog and a Saudi analyst made rare media appearances, sparking renewed discussion about potential Saudi-Israeli rapprochement.
  • These appearances occurred amid heightened regional security concerns due to Iranian attacks on Gulf infrastructure.
  • While not indicating a resumption of formal normalization talks, the interviews suggest a possible reopening of public communication channels between the two nations.

Unusual media appearances by an Israeli president and a Saudi analyst have revived questions about Saudi-Arabian and Israeli relations, particularly as Iran's regional attacks increase pressure on Gulf security. Israeli President Isaac Herzog gave an exclusive interview to Al Arabiya English on July 16, expressing his "dream" of rapprochement and respect for Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. He suggested the possibility of direct negotiations with Washington's support.

Three days later, Abdullah bin Ghanem Al-Qahtani, a former Saudi Royal Air Force major general and now a security analyst, appeared on Israel's Channel 12. He described Iran's attacks as a grave threat requiring a response, while also noting Israel's need to address the Palestinian issue. Such appearances by prominent Saudis in Israeli media are rare, and their timing is significant given Iran's ongoing attacks on Gulf infrastructure.

it was his “dream” to see peace between the two countries

— Isaac HerzogIsraeli President Isaac Herzog expressed his desire for peace between Israel and Saudi Arabia in an interview with Al Arabiya English.

These events draw comparisons to the period before October 7, 2023, when US-brokered normalization talks were publicly discussed. Those negotiations stalled due to the Gaza war, with Saudi Arabia maintaining its condition for normalization: progress toward Palestinian statehood. A Saudi source indicated in May 2026 that a clear pathway to statehood remained a requirement.

While these renewed media contacts do not signal a resumption of formal negotiations, they suggest that public communication, similar to the gradual rapprochement before October 7, is again possible. Geopolitical analyst Cyril Widdershoven views Herzog's interview as a potential signal that Saudi-Israeli engagement is not entirely off the table, especially as regional defense cooperation, possibly including quiet coordination with Israel, gains traction without necessarily leading to formal diplomatic ties.

Iran’s attacks across the region as a grave threat that could not go unanswered while also saying Israel must address the Palestinian issue.

— Abdullah bin Ghanem Al-QahtaniSaudi security analyst Abdullah bin Ghanem Al-Qahtani commented on Iran's regional actions and Israel's approach to the Palestinian issue during an appearance on Israel's Channel 12.
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Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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