HERMINE HOVHANNISYAN
relations . However , despite the vividly expressed animosity , it is noteworthy that Saudi Arabia ’ s involvement in the wars was rather limited , unlike other Arab countries .
Nevertheless , starting in the 1980s , things have gradually changed , and the Kingdom ’ s policy has shifted to the peace processes proposed by the kings of Saudi Arabia . Particularly , starting from the 1980s , Saudi Arabia adopted a relatively moderate policy towards Israel , taking into consideration the imperatives of national security . Though these peace processes were a harbinger of drastic changes , the turning point of the relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia occurred in 2006 , when Iran ’ s role in the region drastically increased . Notably , Saudi Arabia had serious concerns about Iran ’ s nuclear project . Iran ’ s expanded influence was perceived as a threat by Israel as well .
Consequently , Iran ’ s expansion and aggressive politics were perceived as a threat by both Saudi Arabia and Israel , which brought together these two countries in terms of trying to contain Iran ’ s influence in the region . After identifying the common regional challenger , these two countries came up with pragmatic approaches and regarded each other as potential allies . This rapprochement started in 2006 and manifested in frequent meetings , mutual visits , and agreements , despite the absence of diplomatic relations .
Furthermore , this article has identified another regional challenger pushing the two countries together : Turkey . Turkey ’ s political aspirations appeared after the Arab Spring . Aiming to fill the political and leadership vacuum resulting from the Arab Spring , Turkey tried to fulfill its regional hegemonic ambitions . Henceforth , this was another impetus for the rapprochement between Israel and Saudi Arabia .
Thus , the paramount goal of these cordial relations was to counter Iran and Turkey and eradicate their hegemonic aspirations in the Arab World and the Middle East in general . In order to depict this picture theoretically , the balance of power theory was applied . Notably , this article seeks to understand whether the theory put forth applies to this case . To this end , the crux of the theory mentioned above is comprehensively examined and discussed . However , before the theoretical section , the historical background is provided in order to better understand the dynamics of relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel . To understand the rapprochement process per se , this study reveals the main reasons that pushed the two countries closer . To have a profound understanding of the case and its connection to the theory at hand and to
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