Normalization with Saudi a “long, slow process,” says Israeli FM

Israel is in talks with the US and Gulf countries about a possible rapprochement with Saudi Arabia but recognizes that it will be a “long, slow process,” Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid said yesterday, according to Bloomberg.

We’re reportedly in the mix: His statements come nearly a week after Axios reported that the White House is working with Egypt and Saudi Arabia to finalize the transfer of sovereignty of the Tiran and Sanafir islands to Riyadh. The Biden administration’s thinking is that this could help pave the way for Israel and Saudi Arabia to normalize relations.