Israel Expresses Hope for Improved Relations with Saudi Arabia; U.S. Can Mediate

Israel's National Security Advisor expressed hope that Jake Sullivan's visit to Saudi Arabia could pave the way for improved relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel. According to Reuters, Tzachi Hanegbi, head of Israel's National Security Council, spoke with Jake Sullivan before his trip to Saudi Arabia and told Channel 13 Israel: "We hope this trip leads to significant successes." In response to a question about whether there has been progress in relations between the two countries following a phone call between Saudi leaders and the Israeli Prime Minister, he said: "Some people say there is more than one phone call between the leaders of Saudi Arabia and Israel. But what is important is that the United States leads the normalization and peace process with Israel by adding Saudi Arabia to the Abraham Accords." The head of Israel's National Security Council added: "If this happens, it will be a historic turning point." Jake Sullivan announced his trip to Saudi Arabia on Thursday, stating that Washington is working hard to normalize relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia. Jake Sullivan: Recent diplomacy between Saudi Arabia and Iran is part of the de-escalation process. John Kirby: The situation in Sudan is very fragile; there is a possibility of negotiations between the parties in Saudi Arabia. Intensive U.S. diplomatic cooperation with Saudi Arabia to end the war in Sudan. Ibrahim Raisi's trip to Damascus: The goal is to expand relations with Syria and Hezbollah. The U.S. says any efforts to end the Yemen war are good, even from Iran. A visit by an Iranian president to Syria after 12 years; Raisi is going to Damascus.