Worthy Christian News > Israel-Palestinian Conflict > Herzog: Israel Definitely Open to “Game Changing” Normalized Relations With Saudi Arabia

Herzog: Israel Definitely Open to “Game Changing” Normalized Relations With Saudi Arabia

by Karen Faulkner, Worthy News Correspondent

(Worthy News) – Israeli President Isaac Herzog confirmed Tuesday that Israel is certainly open to “historic, game changing” normalized relations with its historical enemy, Saudi Arabia, Ynet News reports.

Together with Egypt and Jordan, Saudi Arabia was one of the six Arab nations which attacked Israel as soon as the Jewish state declared independence in 1948. While Egypt and Jordan went on to make peace with Israel, Saudi Arabia never officially did. However, Israel and Saudi Arabia now have a shared enemy in Iran: the Iranian threat has brought the Saudis and Israelis closer together.

The issue of Israeli-Saudi normalization has been at the center of talks on a US-Saudi bilateral security deal. The US wants Saudi Arabia to join the Abraham Accords, which have seen multiple previously hostile states normalize relations with Israel. For their part, the Saudis have said normalization must include an end to the Gaza war and a two-solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflicts. Talks are ongoing between the US and Saudi Arabia and between Israel and the US.

“We have a significant opportunity for normalization with Saudi Arabia before us, and I hope it’s being taken seriously,” President Isaac Herzog told a conference gathering at the Israel Democracy Institute on Tuesday.

“Just two days ago, I met with US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan. This normalization could bring about monumental change – it’s a historic game changer that symbolizes a triumph over Iran’s malevolent influence.”

“Two months prior to the war, President Biden unveiled a grand vision to connect Europe to Southeast Asia and the US to Australia – all through the Eastern Hemisphere,” Herzog continued.

“On October 7, the forces of evil tried to obliterate the chance for normalization, but our battle is not solely against Hamas. It is a broader, strategic, and historical struggle. We must do everything in our power to align ourselves with the vision of normalization,” Herzog stated.