Senior Saudi journalist says ‘nothing’ preventing normalization with Israel

A senior Saudi Arabian journalist, said to be close with the country’s leaders, says the Gulf state could normalize ties with Israel, even without American mediation, Channel 12 news reports.

“In my opinion, there is no need for the US president to be a meditator between Tel Aviv and other countries,” says Mubarak al-Ati, the director of Saudi Arabia’s official al-Ekhbariya Radio in a video aired on the Israeli network.

“The negotiating tables are open, and we can talk openly,” al-Ati says, mentioning recent remarks by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman who said Israel could be a “potential ally” of Riyadh.

“Nothing is stopping relations with Israel… and I think all the signs show that Israel can be part of Saudi Arabia’s network of connections,” he adds.

US President Joe Biden’s highly anticipated first trip to the Middle East will include stops in Israel, the West Bank and Saudi Arabia from July 13 to July 16.