What It Is About
In a significant discussion facilitated by MENA2050, notable Saudi and Israeli experts deliberated on the prospects of normalization between Israel and Saudi Arabia, the impact of Islamism, and aspirations for a peaceful Middle East.
Why It Matters
With the historic context of the Abraham Accords and the strained political dynamics in the region, the insights from these experts shed light on the unfolding interactions between key Middle Eastern powers, highlighting the inevitable thrust towards peace, mutual benefits, and overcoming Islamist threats.
Key Players
Abdulaziz Alkhamis
Abdulaziz Alkhamis, a distinguished Saudi journalist and a member of MENA2050, emphasizes the power of direct dialogue between Arabs and Israelis. He underscores the growth in acceptance of Israelis post-Abraham Accords, deeming such interactions a prelude to peace.
Najat AlSaied
Najat AlSaied, celebrated for her work on strategic communication, criticizes the influence of political Islamist groups and underscores the pivotal role of the US in facilitating peace. She remains critical of the destabilizing elements and holds firm views on the necessity of stable foundations for any peace initiative to succeed.
Eli Bar-On
Eli Bar-On, CEO and co-founder of MENA2050, recognizes Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Vision 2030 and highlights the immense potential of Israeli-Saudi partnership. He underlines the delicate balance Saudi Arabia must maintain and the strategic roadmap Israel must follow for successful normalization.
The Islamist Challenge
Both Alkhamis and AlSaied articulate the destabilizing role of Islamist movements like the Muslim Brotherhood and Iran’s influence. They stress the urgent need to mitigate this threat to pave the way for stable and enduring peace in the region.
The Path Forward
Despite current geopolitical and historical complexities, all three experts agree on the centrality of transparent dialogue, strategic international cooperation, and shared visions to foster stability and peace. They advocate for actionable steps toward constructive engagement and emphasize that the ultimate goal of peace and prosperity is well within reach.
Closing Thoughts
The dedicated efforts and optimistic outlook shared by Abdulaziz Alkhamis, Najat AlSaied, and Eli Bar-On provide a hopeful trajectory for Israeli-Saudi relations. Israel’s commitment to peaceful and strategic advancements coupled with Saudi Arabia’s progressive vision frames a collaborative future for the Middle East where normalization is not a question of ‘if’ but ‘when’.
This story was first published on jpost.com.