Israel says Saudi recognition would be ‘historic’ for regional peace
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called Saudi recognition of Israel a historic step for Middle East peace after a U.S.-Saudi civilian nuclear agreement. The deal, announced on July 22, ties the nuclear program to the prospect of Saudi normalisation with Israel. Saudi Arabia has so far withheld participation in the Abraham Accords, citing the need for a clear path to Palestinian statehood.
- ▪The United States and Saudi Arabia announced a civilian nuclear programme for Saudi Arabia on July 22, linking it to potential normalisation with Israel.
- ▪Netanyahu’s office described Saudi recognition as a historic leap forward for regional peace.
- ▪Saudi Arabia has not joined the Abraham Accords, maintaining that normalisation should follow the establishment of a Palestinian state.
- ▪Talks on Saudi‑Israeli normalisation were reportedly advancing before the October 2023 Hamas attack, which some analysts say may have disrupted the process.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Israel says Saudi recognition would be ‘historic’ for regional peaceSign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxThe US and Saudi Arabia announced a landmark deal on July 22 to establish a civilian nuclear programme. PHOTO: REUTERSPublished Jul 23, 2026, 10:43 PMUpdated Jul 23, 2026, 10:43 PMSet as preferred sourceSummariseIsraeli Prime Minister Netanyahu called Saudi recognition of Israel a "historic leap forward for peace in the Middle East" following a US-Saudi civilian nuclear deal linked to normalisation.The Abraham Accords, signed by UAE, Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan, reshaped regional alliances focused on countering Iran rather than resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.Saudi Arabia has not joined the accords, insisting on Palestinian statehood first, but talks had…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at The Straits Times.