Israel Reports Saudi Arabia Lacks Appetite for Normalization

Israeli diplomatic officials report that Saudi Arabia shows little appetite for advancing the normalization of relations, contradicting optimism expressed by President Donald Trump. While Trump claimed the Abraham Accords are back on the table following Israeli intelligence assistance to Riyadh against the Houthis, Israeli sources state there is no evidence of an imminent breakthrough.

Government of Israel officials indicate the prospect of a deal has diminished over the last three years, driven in part by Saudi public opinion. The Israeli government noted that "Riyadh is showing little appetite for advancing normalization" and that "there is no evidence to substantiate that we are on the verge of a dramatic move."

Further signaling a lack of cooperation, Saudi authorities recently refused to allow an Israeli aircraft to evacuate passengers after a FlyDubai flight made an emergency landing on Saudi territory.