Does Saudi Arabia Align with Israel or Palestine- A Dilemma of Diplomatic Support
Does Saudi Arabia Support Israel or Palestine?
The question of whether Saudi Arabia supports Israel or Palestine is a complex and highly debated topic in international relations. Saudi Arabia, being a major player in the Middle East, has often found itself at the center of this controversy. While the relationship between these two nations is multifaceted, it is essential to analyze the historical, political, and economic factors that contribute to Saudi Arabia’s stance on this issue.
Historically, Saudi Arabia has maintained a cautious relationship with Israel. The two countries have never had formal diplomatic ties, primarily due to the religious and ideological differences between the predominantly Sunni Muslim Saudi Arabia and the predominantly Jewish Israel. However, there have been instances where Saudi Arabia has shown support for Israel, particularly in the realm of security and defense.
One of the most significant examples of Saudi Arabia’s support for Israel is its involvement in the 1973 Arab-Israeli war, also known as the Yom Kippur War. During this conflict, Saudi Arabia, along with other Arab nations, fought against Israel. However, after the war, Saudi Arabia was one of the first Arab countries to establish informal contacts with Israel, mainly to ensure its national security and to counterbalance the influence of Iran in the region.
Politically, Saudi Arabia’s stance on Israel has been influenced by its strategic interests. For years, Saudi Arabia has sought to maintain a balance between its alliances with Western countries, particularly the United States, and its commitments to the Arab and Muslim world. This has often led to a cautious approach towards Israel, as Saudi Arabia does not want to alienate its regional allies or provoke the anger of its Muslim population.
In recent years, there have been signs of a warming relationship between Saudi Arabia and Israel. This shift can be attributed to several factors, including the growing threat of Iran, the desire to counterbalance Iran’s influence in the region, and the shared concerns over the stability of the Middle East. In 2017, Saudi Arabia, along with the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Egypt, normalized diplomatic relations with Israel, marking a significant breakthrough in the region.
Economically, Saudi Arabia’s support for Israel is evident in various forms. The two countries have engaged in numerous trade agreements and investments, particularly in the energy sector. Saudi Arabia has also shown interest in Israeli technology and innovation, leading to increased cooperation in these areas.
Despite these developments, Saudi Arabia’s support for Israel remains conditional and cautious. The kingdom has not yet recognized Israel as a state, and its official stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict remains ambiguous. Saudi Arabia continues to express solidarity with the Palestinian cause, particularly in the context of the Israeli occupation of the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
In conclusion, the question of whether Saudi Arabia supports Israel or Palestine is not straightforward. While there have been instances where Saudi Arabia has shown support for Israel, its relationship with the Jewish state is complex and influenced by various factors, including national security, regional stability, and economic interests. As the Middle East continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how Saudi Arabia’s stance on this issue will further develop.
