Archive · 2 Feb 2026
Saudi Media Turns Anti-Israel Amid Regional Tensions
Saudi Arabia's state-backed media has been criticizing Israel more strongly lately.
This is partly because of a big disagreement with the UAE, which is friends with Israel.
Saudi leaders say they still want peace with Israel but only if Israel supports a Palestinian state.
The US and Jewish groups are worried about the anti-Israel messages.
Israel is watching closely.
The two countries almost made a peace deal in 2023, but the war in Gaza changed things.
Saudi Arabia and the UAE are also fighting over who should lead the region.
Experts think these two countries will make up before Saudi Arabia and Israel do.
Saudi state-backed media has adopted an increasingly anti-Israel tone, criticizing Israel's actions and the Abraham Accords.
The shift is driven by Saudi Arabia's feud with the UAE, which has normalized relations with Israel.
Saudi Arabia remains open to normalization with Israel but insists on a pathway to a Palestinian state.
The US and Jewish groups have expressed concern over the anti-Israel rhetoric, questioning Saudi Arabia's commitment to moderation.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that Israel is monitoring the situation and expects non-participation in anti-peace efforts.
- Who
- Saudi Arabia, Israel, UAE, US, Jewish groups
- What
- Saudi media adopting anti-Israel tone, regional tensions, potential impact on normalization
- When
- Recent shift, with specific examples from December 2023 and January 2024
- Where
- Middle East, particularly Saudi Arabia, UAE, and the US
- Why
- Escalating feud with UAE, hardening attitudes post-Gaza war, pressure from public opinion
- Saudi Media Tone
- Increasingly anti-Israel
- Key Figures
- Sheikh Saleh bin Humaid, Ahmed bin Othman Al-Tuwaijri
- UAE's Role
- Signatory of Abraham Accords, rival to Saudi Arabia
- Saudi Stance
- Open to normalization with Palestinian statehood
- US Concerns
- Anti-Defamation League expresses concern over anti-Israel rhetoric
- Israeli Response
- Monitoring Saudi moves, expects non-participation in anti-peace efforts
- Regional Tensions
- Saudi-UAE feud over economic leadership and regional conflicts
- Saudi Defense Minister
- Met with Jewish groups in Washington to reassure commitment to regional integration