A Saudi diplomatic source has strongly denied reports that Ron Dermer, a close adviser to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, recently visited Riyadh to discuss the situation in Lebanon.
The source rejected the claims outright, calling the reports in Israeli media—including outlets such as Maariv and Army Radio—“baseless” and “nonsense.”
According to the Saudi diplomat, the reports were inaccurate in several key aspects. First, the source denied that any such visit by Dermer took place. Second, the diplomat dismissed suggestions that there are secret negotiation channels between Saudi Arabia and Israel regarding Lebanon or other regional issues. Third, the source rejected claims that Riyadh and Jerusalem are coordinating on a future arrangement in Lebanon or discussing the “day after” a potential war with Hezbollah.
Saudi officials appear to be particularly sensitive about such reports. One major reason is public opinion. According to surveys conducted in August 2025, roughly 99% of the Saudi public opposes normalization with Israel in light of the ongoing war. Acknowledging a visit by a senior Israeli official could therefore trigger significant internal backlash.
