Any normalization is expected to begin with economic and trade agreements rather than full diplomatic ties.
Israel and Saudi Arabia are expected to begin direct negotiations to lay the groundwork for establishing normalization, with mediation and support from the United States.
The Israel Hayom newspaper cited American, Arab and Israeli sources as saying in recent weeks that amid intensive contacts, the U.S. has been working to arrange an official announcement on the launch of the talks during Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to Washington in about two weeks.
The talks are to involve U.S. President Donald Trump’s senior adviser and son-in-law Jared Kushner, Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer and a small Israeli team, Saudi Ambassador to Washington Reema bint Bandar Al Saud, and Prince Mohammed’s close advisers.