Saudi Crown Prince seeks exceptional normalization with Israel amidst US-Saudi tensions.

Reports of Saudi Arabia and Israel establishing official relations have been downplayed by US and Israeli officials, with Saudi demands for security guarantees, help in developing a civilian nuclear programme, and fewer restrictions on arms sales seen as major obstacles. While the Biden administration is looking to patch up ties with Riyadh, members of the president’s own party want to curtail the relationship over human rights concerns. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is pursuing a foreign policy that is more independent from Washington and wants something outstanding to normalise ties.