Thread by @KimGhattas

THREAD-Big. Not just meeting but Israel making it public via sources. Bibi did not cfm nor deny. Saudis wont confirm but hard to deny now There’ve been secret meetings before, coordinating on security/Iran. So why make this public in what was prob coordinated move? Clear msg.

https://twitter.com/NeriZilber/status/1330774749232967680

There may have been talk of mil ops ahead of Jan 20. But 1 of KEY objectives for MbS is to fend off pressure from Congress, new Biden admin. Hostility comes from R’s+D’s (Yemen, Khashoggi) Biden said no more blank checks. MbS needs to secure his position, become indispensable

Short of public meetings/peace agrmnt, even dangling prospect of ties w/Israel will go long way to buy breathing space and welcome back from the cold.
2nd objective: help maintain anti-Iran camp and get ahead of any moves by Biden on engaging Iran by shaping facts on ground.

Big gamble domestically and regionally to be out as Israel’s new friend. Anything beyond such meetings and Saudis will have to deliver something to Saudi public, Arab audiences. So what can Israel give them on Palestinian issue or other?

WSJ spoke to 2 unnamed Saudi gov advisors who confirmed meeting. Officially, Saudi Arabia has just denied it-- Saudi FM @FaisalbinFarhan who was in meeting with Pompeo + MBS told me moments ago "I am certain no meeting between the Crown Prince and any Israeli official happened"

That could leave room for meetings between Bibi and other Saudi officials. Saudi FM told me he didn't meet any Israeli officials in Neom/Saudi yesterday. I asked if there were Israeli visitors to Saudi/Neom yesterday/last few days. "Not as far as I'm aware".

Whatever the acrobatics, in diplomacy or language, the story is now out there and serving a purpose.