From Jeddah to Jerusalem: Saudi-Israeli Relations and the Prospect of Mideast Peace

Abstract

With the growth of Iranian influence, instability, and shifting loyalties in the Middle East over the past decade, there has been a dramatic change in a number of the bilateral relationships among the region’s major players. Two states in particular, Saudi Arabia and Israel, have seen the unprecedented development of security cooperation in a short period of time. These once adversaries are now cooperating behind-the-scenes to improve their strategic position in light of the increasing instability of the Middle East. This new rapprochement between the Israelis and Saudis can have a profound impact on other issues in the Middle East. In this paper, I will consider the changes in the Saudi-Israeli bilateral relationship, the historical development of their rapport overtime, factors that are pushing the two sides towards cooperation, and what this means for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. I propose that the warming of bilateral relations is primarily the result of the mutually perceived threat Iran poses to both Israel and Saudi Arabia. Because of this rapprochement, there is a real, viable opportunity for a restart in the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, employing the Arab Peace Initiative as a roadmap partially facilitated by Saudi Arabia. To prove this, I conduct a qualitative study using an analysis of historical trends, expert interviews, and process tracing methods for case studies within the dynamics of the Middle East. I conclude with a final set of recommendations based on my analysis for the United States, Israel, and Saudi Arabia.