Israeli President Urges Progress on Saudi Arabia Relations

Israeli President Isaac Herzog has voiced his strong desire for progress in normalizing relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia. In a rare interview with the Riyadh-based Al Arabiya television channel, broadcast on Thursday, Herzog emphasized his aspiration for security and closer ties between the two nations.

"My dream is to see security between Israel and Saudi Arabia. I have great respect for Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman," Herzog told the state-owned broadcaster, referring to Saudi Arabia's de facto leader. "What we want most in Israel is to see closer relations between countries."

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My dream is to see security between Israel and Saudi Arabia. I have great respect for Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Saudi Arabia had been engaged in preliminary normalization discussions with Israel in 2023. However, these talks were abruptly halted following the outbreak of the war in Gaza. The conflict, initiated by Hamas's attack on Israel in October 2023, has hardened Arab nations' sentiments towards Israel.

Saudi officials have consistently stated that the kingdom will not recognize Israel without a clear pathway toward the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. This condition remains a significant obstacle, as the current Israeli government opposes such a move. The Gaza conflict has resulted in a high Palestinian death toll, with the Gaza Ministry of Health reporting over 70,000 fatalities, a figure considered credible by the United Nations.

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What we want most in Israel is to see closer relations between countries.