An unnamed senior Israeli political official blamed former Prime Ministers Yair Lapid and Naftali Bennett Friday for the China-brokered deal between Saudi Arabia and Iran renewing diplomatic relations, following criticism from the opposition to the Benjamin Netanyahu government at missing opportunity to improve relations with Arab states.
The official told Israeli paper Ynet that it's perception of weakness by Saudi of the Lapid-Bennett governments, and of US that drew Saudi closer to Iran via China. "The contacts between the countries started a year ago, during the term of the previous government, because there was a feeling of Israeli and American weakness. Weakness brings rapprochement with Iran, while strength pushes rapprochement away."
"It is important to form a strong position against Iran, both in the United States and in Europe. The Israeli policy of preventing Iran from arming itself does not depend on the support of any country," he added, attempting to defend the Netanyahu who has prioritized his own rapprochement with Saudi.
According to the official, efforts will continue for an Israeli rapprochement with Riyadh. "The contacts are frequent and the basic picture did not change. The stronger the Western position against Iran is, the less significant their relations with Saudi Arabia will be."
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