The new Israeli government has stepped up US-backed talks with Saudi Arabia to develop closer military and intelligence ties in light of growing concerns over Iran, writes Bloomberg..
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Officials from the two countries held introductory meetings ahead of a recent meeting of the U.S.-Gulf Cooperation Council Working Group on Defense and Security in Riyadh, six people told the publication on condition of anonymity that they wished not to be identified as the talks are private.. Further engagement is expected to take place in Prague against the backdrop of the Munich Security Conference starting on Friday.
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Restructuring Regional Policy in the Middle East.
The healing of a historic rift between major U.S. ally Israel and Saudi Arabia, considered the Middle East's largest economy, will mean a significant realignment of regional politics. However, a full-fledged reset of relations could rely on an agreement linked to Saudi Arabia's publicly stated and longstanding demand for a Palestinian state, some people say..
It looks less likely than ever due to the escalation of violence between Israelis and Palestinians since the return to power of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who won election as head of a far-right coalition late last year..
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Saudi Arabia's motives for building ties with Israel.
However, Saudi Arabia may have other prerequisites, most notably an expanded and renewed commitment from Washington to help fight Iran, analysts say.. The U.S.
government and six Gulf states on Thursday jointly labeled Tehran a growing regional security threat, with President Joe Biden making Israel's closer integration into the region a priority to avoid conflict and drive down oil prices.. At the same time, Riyadh is negotiating with Iran to improve relations..
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“They have contacts all the time, accelerated to a certain extent, although I would not exaggerate,” said Ehud Yaari, an Israel-based international fellow at The Washington Institute.. Both sides have "
The Israeli Prime Minister's Office and the Foreign Ministry declined to comment, as did the Saudi Foreign Ministry..