During recent months, USA has been trying to push for normalization of relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel. However, Saudi Arabia has understandably not been very keen to normalize relations with Israel, at least fully, particularly because of the current Israeli far-right coalition government. According to media reports, as part of the potential normalization deal Israel should “take major steps toward creating an independent Palestinian state” – this requirement is likely to be opposed by Israeli far right. (1) Saudi Arabia took a positive step by appointing its first-ever non-resident ambassador to Palestine who will also serve as non-resident consul general to Jerusalem. The non-resident status of the ambassador means that the appointment didn’t have to be approved by Israel – Israel sees the entire Jerusalem as its undivided capital. (2) Quite expectedly, Israel rejected any possibility of a physical diplomatic base in Jerusalem for Saudi Arabia’s envoy to Palestine (3).
References:
1) “Saudis said wary of full normalization with Israel, or a deal with current government” The Times of Israel 9.8.2023
2) “Saudi Arabia appoints its first ever non-resident ambassador to Palestine” The Times of Israel 12.8.2023
3) “Israel says no Jerusalem base for Saudi envoy to Palestinian Authority” Al Jazeera 13.8.2023
IDIS Observer 