Israel is on the verge of a historic breakthrough with Saudi Arabia, according to Yechiel Leiter, Israel’s newly appointed ambassador to the US. In an exclusive interview with The Jerusalem Post, Leiter revealed that the normalization of relations between the two nations is now closer than ever. This development, he believes, will be a “game changer” for the region and beyond.
Leiter, who took on his role as ambassador on Friday, emphasized that the potential agreement is part of a larger realignment in the Middle East, triggered by a significant decline in the power of groups such as Hamas, Hezbollah, and other Iranian proxies. He linked this shift to Israel’s recent military successes and Saudi Arabia’s own efforts to modernize and counteract extremism.
“We’re closer to Saudi Arabia because we’ve degraded Hamas,” said Leiter, referring to Israel’s efforts in weakening the militant group. He added that Saudi Arabia shares Israel’s goal of defeating these radical elements, recognizing their threat to both regional stability and the kingdom’s own future. Leiter also highlighted the broader implications of this alignment, noting that countries such as Egypt, Sudan, and Turkey have shown similar shifts toward moderation in their respective dealings with Islamic extremism.
The potential Saudi-Israel normalization follows a broader strategic trend that was catalysed by the Abraham Accords in 2020, which saw a historic agreement between Israel and several Arab nations, including the UAE and Bahrain. Leiter expressed his confidence that this momentum would soon extend to Saudi Arabia, a development that seemed inconceivable only a few decades ago.
Thirty years ago, he reflected, even discussing a deal between Israel and Saudi Arabia would have been unthinkable. Now, with changing dynamics in the region, particularly with the waning influence of Iran, this agreement is not only possible but imminent. “Normalization is not just about trade agreements or diplomatic niceties,” Leiter stated. “It’s about creating a new framework for regional stability.”
However, the path to normalization is not without its challenges. One significant hurdle is the Palestinian issue, with Saudi Arabia wanting to ensure tangible benefits for Palestinians as part of any deal. Leiter acknowledged the delicate balancing act involved, but he expressed optimism that pragmatic negotiations, supported by international backing, could overcome these obstacles.
Leiter’s background as a historian and political philosopher, coupled with his long-standing involvement in Israeli politics, lends him a unique perspective on the situation. His previous roles include serving as chief of staff to Benjamin Netanyahu and as a political aide to Ariel Sharon. Leiter’s extensive experience gives him insight into the broader geopolitical landscape, which he believes is undergoing a transformation.
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In his view, the decline of Iran’s influence, especially after the weakening of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, has opened up new opportunities for Israel and its Arab neighbours to come together. The Saudi-Israel relationship, Leiter explained, is pivotal in reshaping the Middle East and ensuring long-term peace and stability in the region.
Leiter also spoke about the importance of the United States in facilitating this process. He praised former President Donald Trump for his decisive foreign policy approach, particularly regarding Iran’s nuclear ambitions. According to Leiter, Trump’s willingness to confront major threats like Iran’s nuclear program and his unyielding stance against terrorist organizations such as Hamas aligns with Israel’s security goals.
Beyond the Middle East, Leiter suggested that the US, with its global influence, has the potential to lead a new international paradigm based on principles rooted in liberal democracy. “Israel’s story is tied to the very foundations of liberal democracy,” Leiter remarked, adding that Israel could play a significant role in strengthening these values globally.
As Israel’s ambassador to the US, Leiter’s mission is clear. The goal is to secure Israel’s future by ensuring its safety, forging new alliances, and reshaping the international order in a way that secures peace and stability not only for Israel but for the entire Middle East.
As the region stands on the cusp of a significant shift, the Saudi-Israel normalization talks represent a critical moment in history—one that could define the future of the Middle East and beyond.
