What Is Happening With Saudi-Israel Normalization? Inside Scoop Starting With A Saudi-Israeli Joint Venture

What Is Happening With Saudi-Israel Normalization?

Israel-Saudi Arabia normalization efforts get into high gear. The two Middle East powerhouses have never been closer. In tow are fifty-seven Muslim-majority nations watching closely, considering Riyadh's elevated position as home to Islam's two holiest sites.

There is no deal yet to normalize ties, but we have several encouraging early signs.

Official Joint Venture Announcement

A landmark deal was signed on July 31, 2023, between Israel's SolarEdge Technologies and Saudi Arabia's Ajlan & Bros, forming a joint-venture company that will work on renewable energy in Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Social Media Debates

The Saudi social media is abuzz with debates on ties with Israel. Here is Loay Al-Sharif, a Saudi scholar fluent in Hebrew, arguing with netizens on X about why he defends Israeli policies in discussions with his Arab social media followers:

"Why are you defending Israel? They don't need you! Well, my friend, I am not defending Israel. I am safeguarding a heritage that I consider part of my heritage too!"

Textbook Reforms

Anti-Jewish and anti-Israel content is now being purged from Saudi textbooks, replaced with content that highlights shared Muslim-Jewish values and history.

Historical Context

In 2017, Saudi Arabia welcomed Jack Rosen, President of the American Jewish Congress, who posted a selfie in a tweet. In January 1992, Saudi Arabia publicly welcomed an American Jewish Congress delegation, the first pro-Israel American group to be formally engaged by Riyadh.

Saudi Caution

In short, the Saudis are a little jittery about formal ties with Israel without progress on Israel-Palestinian peace and when the Israeli government faces domestic political trouble. But Riyadh is also interested in a bold nuclear cooperation deal with Washington.