The Middle East has seen significant geopolitical shifts, with countries in the region beginning to reassess their long-standing positions and exploring avenues for cooperation.

Among the most notable developments is the warming of relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia. While these two nations have historically been adversaries, growing concerns over regional security, economic prosperity, and the influence of external powers have led both countries to explore common ground. This article explores the shared principles of Israel and Saudi Arabia to achieve peace in the region, and the legal steps that every nation in the region must take to create lasting peace.

Shared Principles of Israel and Saudi Arabia for Peace

Israel and Saudi Arabia’s paths to peace are driven by mutual interests, and although their relationship remains discreet, their shared principles can be seen as a critical foundation for broader regional stability. While the specifics of their ongoing diplomacy remain guarded, there are several key areas in which both nations are aligned.

1. Countering Regional Threats

One of the most compelling factors driving Israel and Saudi Arabia toward peace is the common threat posed by Iran. Both countries view the Iranian regime as a destabilizing force in the Middle East, largely due to its nuclear ambitions, support for militant groups, and interference in regional conflicts. For Israel, Iran’s nuclear program represents a direct existential threat, while for Saudi Arabia, Iran’s support for Houthi rebels in Yemen and Hezbollah in Lebanon creates instability along its borders.

Both nations recognize that Iran’s influence in the region, including its proxy forces, is a serious concern. As a result, Israel and Saudi Arabia have quietly coordinated on matters of security, intelligence sharing, and even military preparedness. This mutual understanding forms the backbone of their shared commitment to regional peace, as they both seek to neutralize what they perceive as an existential threat.

2. Economic Cooperation and Shared Prosperity

Another significant area of shared interest is economic growth. Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 plan aims to diversify its economy, reducing its dependence on oil and investing in sectors like technology, infrastructure, and tourism. Israel, known for its cutting-edge innovation, particularly in tech, cyber security, and agriculture, offers a valuable partnership opportunity for Saudi Arabia in these areas.

The potential for economic collaboration between the two nations could lead to increased trade, joint ventures, and investments in critical industries such as energy, technology, and healthcare. A more stable and prosperous region benefits all countries involved, including Israel and Saudi Arabia. Economic cooperation can also be a gateway to broader peace, as trade and interdependence often reduce the likelihood of conflict.

3. The Palestinian Issue: A Potential Roadblock or Bridge?

The Palestinian issue remains one of the most sensitive topics in the Middle East, and while Israel and Saudi Arabia have made progress in certain areas, this issue continues to complicate their relations. Historically, Saudi Arabia has supported the Palestinian cause and has called for the establishment of a Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders, a stance that aligns with most of the Arab world.

However, both Israel and Saudi Arabia understand that resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is crucial for regional peace. Saudi Arabia’s influence within the Arab world and its relationships with Palestinian factions provide leverage for potentially moving the peace process forward. In recent years, there have been signs that the two countries might find common ground on this issue, particularly as Saudi Arabia’s leadership continues to embrace pragmatic diplomacy to secure long-term peace.

4. Stabilizing Regional Alliances

Israel and Saudi Arabia both understand the importance of stability in the wider Middle East. To that end, both countries are increasingly focused on strengthening alliances with other key regional players, such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, and Egypt. The Abraham Accords, which saw Israel normalize relations with the UAE and Bahrain in 2020, are a sign of the growing willingness of Arab states to engage with Israel in exchange for security guarantees and economic benefits.

Saudi Arabia, while not yet publicly normalizing relations with Israel, has shown signs of gradually moving toward such an outcome, particularly after the UAE and Bahrain led the way. Regional stability, shared defense concerns, and economic partnerships are essential for a lasting peace, and Israel and Saudi Arabia are working together to build these alliances.

Legal Steps Every Nation Must Take to Create Lasting Peace

For peace to be lasting in the Middle East, it is not enough for Israel and Saudi Arabia to simply share common interests. Legal frameworks, diplomatic efforts, and societal support will be necessary across the entire region. There are several critical steps that every nation must take to create a sustainable and enduring peace.

1. Normalization of Diplomatic Relations

One of the most crucial legal steps to achieve lasting peace in the region is the normalization of diplomatic relations between Israel and other Arab nations, including Saudi Arabia. Following the UAE and Bahrain’s lead, other countries must establish formal diplomatic ties with Israel, which could lead to the establishment of embassies, trade agreements, and enhanced diplomatic cooperation.

Normalization creates a legal foundation for cooperation, reduces tensions, and opens the door for greater regional collaboration on economic, security, and cultural initiatives. Diplomatic relations also allow countries to resolve conflicts through negotiation and peaceful means rather than resorting to military action.

2. Comprehensive Peace Agreements

The creation of comprehensive peace agreements that address the interests and concerns of all parties involved is vital. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict remains a significant obstacle, and resolving this issue is necessary for achieving broader regional peace. A peace agreement that guarantees Palestinian self-determination while securing Israel’s right to exist within recognized borders would provide the legal and political foundation for lasting peace.

For this to happen, all countries in the region must respect the legitimacy of such agreements, recognize the sovereignty of Israel and Palestine, and ensure that their legal systems uphold the rights of all parties. International law and treaties, including United Nations resolutions, should be referenced as the basis for these peace agreements.

3. Security and Legal Protections

A lasting peace requires a robust framework for security cooperation. Israel, Saudi Arabia, and other countries in the region must work together to create security pacts that guarantee protection against external threats, including terrorism, cyber-attacks, and military aggression. This should include mechanisms for information sharing, joint military training, and collaborative defense systems.

Legally, countries must enact laws that prevent the funding and support of militant groups and take action against those who attempt to destabilize the region. International legal standards, including sanctions for violations, should be applied consistently to ensure compliance with regional peace agreements.

4. Human Rights and Legal Protections for Minorities

For peace to be sustainable, it must be based on respect for human rights and the protection of minorities. Every nation in the region, including Israel and Saudi Arabia, must take legal steps to protect the rights of ethnic, religious, and political minorities within their borders. This includes ensuring freedom of expression, the right to peaceful assembly, and the protection of minority groups from discrimination and violence.

Human rights protections are fundamental for creating a sense of trust and cooperation among nations. The establishment of legal frameworks to safeguard the rights of all citizens, regardless of their background, is essential for ensuring long-term stability and peace in the region.

5. Economic Integration and Legal Frameworks for Trade

Economic integration is another vital component of lasting peace. Israel and Saudi Arabia, along with other regional players, must work toward establishing legal frameworks for trade agreements, investment protection treaties, and free trade zones. This could be formalized through regional organizations that facilitate economic cooperation and ensure that economic development is shared equally among nations.

Legal frameworks should support cross-border investments, technology sharing, and joint ventures to foster economic interdependence, reducing the likelihood of conflict and promoting a shared interest in stability.

Conclusion: A Vision for Lasting Peace in the Region

The shared principles of Israel and Saudi Arabia offer a promising pathway to peace in the Middle East. By focusing on mutual security concerns, economic collaboration, and pragmatic diplomacy, these two nations can set an example for the broader region. However, lasting peace will require legal commitments from all nations in the region, including diplomatic normalization, security cooperation, human rights protections, and economic integration. Only through a comprehensive, legal approach that involves all regional players can the Middle East hope to achieve enduring peace and stability.