How war with Iran brought Israel closer to its Middle East neighbors - analysis

A series of diplomatic maneuvers across the Middle East suggests the possibility of new regional alignments, even as the confrontation between the United States and Iran intensifies. Governments are navigating significant military, economic, and political pressures.

In parallel with these broader tensions, Israel is actively pursuing diplomatic channels. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with US President Donald Trump in Washington for discussions. Furthermore, Israeli and Lebanese representatives are scheduled to resume US-mediated talks in Rome regarding border arrangements, Israeli withdrawals, and proposed "pilot zones" in southern Lebanon.

Diplomatic engagement extends to Syria, where President Ahmed al-Sharaa indicated Damascus is working on a security agreement with Israel. Such an arrangement, he suggested, could pave the way for comprehensive peace without Syria relinquishing its claim to the Golan Heights. Additionally, Israeli President Isaac Herzog and Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa held a phone call discussing bilateral relations, the Abraham Accords, and regional developments.

Developments also involve Saudi Arabia. While the US and Riyadh signed a civil nuclear cooperation agreement, President Trump stated it would not proceed unless Saudi Arabia normalized relations with Israel and joined the Abraham Accords. Saudi Arabia maintains that normalization requires a credible path toward Palestinian statehood. These intertwined events suggest ongoing diplomacy is occurring alongside the widening regional confrontation, though regional specialists offer varied assessments of whether this movement signifies a genuine opening, a limited security adjustment, or a temporary response to the unresolved conflict.

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