National Interest in Action: The Strategic Logic Behind Saudi Israeli Normalization

National interest—often referred to by the French term raison d’état—represents the core objectives that guide a state’s foreign policy. These objectives typically encompass security, economic prosperity, and political autonomy. While the definition of national interest can evolve with leadership changes and shifting global conditions, its primary purpose remains constant: safeguarding a nation’s survival and long-term stability.

Political theorists commonly divide national interest into three categories. Vital interests are non-negotiable and directly tied to a state’s survival, such as territorial integrity, political independence, and access to essential resources. Major interests are significant but not existential, often pursued through diplomacy and economic engagement. Peripheral interests, while reflective of national values, are secondary to core security and economic concerns. Understanding these distinctions is essential when assessing Saudi Arabia’s approach to potential normalization with Israel.

Historical Context: From Hostility to Pragmatism

For much of the twentieth century, Saudi Arabia maintained an openly hostile stance toward Israel. The Kingdom supported Arab military efforts against Israel, endorsed economic boycotts, and upheld the post-1967 Khartoum Resolution’s “Three Noes”—no peace, no recognition, and no negotiations. Saudi policy during this period was shaped by........

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