Israel More Doubtful About Saudi Accord After Strategic Shifts

Israel is increasingly doubtful it can normalize relations with Saudi Arabia any time soon, dismayed by what it sees as hostile moves by the kingdom to expand its defense ties and confront the United Arab Emirates, an Israeli ally.

Israeli officials are weighing whether the shifts are temporary or Saudi Arabia is permanently redrawing the balance of power in the region in a way that would make normalization impossible. While little has been said publicly inside Israel, a confidant of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and an Israeli diplomat both said the concern is real. Both asked not to be identified discussing what is a sensitive subject.