Saudi Arabia shifts focus from US defense treaty to limited military cooperation

Saudi Arabia has dropped its pursuit of a comprehensive defense treaty with the United States, which was linked to normalizing relations with Israel. Instead, it is now seeking a more limited military cooperation agreement. This shift comes amid rising public anger in Saudi Arabia over Israel's actions in Gaza. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has made recognition of Israel contingent on concrete steps toward Palestinian statehood. The new agreement would focus on expanding joint military exercises and enhancing defense capabilities, particularly against Iran. It would not provide the same level of military protection as a full defense treaty would have.