Israel believes Saudi Arabia’s recent defence partnerships including pacts with Pakistan and talks involving Turkey have reduced the likelihood of normalising ties between the two countries, an international trade publication has reported. 

Israeli officials are increasingly concerned that Riyadh’s expanding security alliances and more assertive regional posture signal a strategic shift that sidelines normalization with Israel. According to the report, Israeli policymakers are weighing whether Saudi Arabia’s moves are temporary or part of a longer-term realignment that could permanently alter the region’s balance of power.

 

While Israeli leaders have avoided public comment, a confidant of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and an Israeli diplomat acknowledged that the developments have triggered unease in Israel. Both requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the issue.

From Israel’s perspective, “MBS has withdrawn completely from the idea of normalization,” said Oded Ailam, a former Israeli intelligence officer and researcher at the Jerusalem Center for Security and Foreign Affairs, referring to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. “The Saudis are in a delicate phase and putting their finger to the wind. It’s a huge setback for Israel.”

Saudi Arabia signed a defence alliance with nuclear-armed Pakistan in September, while Turkey confirmed last month that it was in talks to join the same regional pact. The growing cooperation has reinforced Israeli concerns that Riyadh is broadening its strategic options independently of engagement with Israel.

 

Tensions between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have further added to Israeli anxiety. The rift became public in December when Saudi Arabia reportedly gave Emirati forces 24 hours to withdraw from Yemen. Saudi media has since intensified criticism of the UAE, which normalised relations with Israel in 2020.

 

Saudi commentators acknowledge that the kingdom’s regional posture has evolved but reject Israel’s interpretation of the shift. They argue the moves are driven by Saudi Arabia’s foreign policy priorities and efforts to stabilise conflict-prone states rather than a rejection of normalization.

 

“Riyadh is trying to stabilize those fragile states,” said Ali Shihabi, a Saudi author and commentator. “That’s the core of the tension.”

Saudi Arabia has reiterated that it remains open to normalising relations with Israel, provided there is credible progress toward Palestinian statehood. In a statement, the government said, “Rejecting the two-state solution undermines this historic opportunity and perpetuates the conditions for continued violence and suffering.”

A spokesperson for the UAE said the country’s policy is guided by respect for the sovereignty of all states and peaceful coexistence. Israeli officials did not respond to requests for comment.