Former U.S. President Donald Trump said it would be “an honor” for him if Saudi Arabia were to officially recognize Israel, highlighting what he sees as the lasting impact of his administration’s Middle East policy.
Speaking during a campaign-style event in Florida, Trump referred to the Abraham Accords—agreements brokered under his presidency that normalized relations between Israel and several Arab nations—as a foundation for future diplomatic breakthroughs.
“We made historic peace deals without endless wars,” Trump said. “If Saudi Arabia recognizes Israel, it would be an honor for me, because it started with us.”
While Saudi Arabia has not formally established diplomatic ties with Israel, behind-the-scenes cooperation has been growing. U.S. administrations past and present have encouraged full normalization, seeing it as a strategic and symbolic shift in the region.
Trump’s remarks come amid ongoing speculation that Saudi-Israeli relations could be moving closer to normalization, especially following reports of quiet diplomatic and security collaboration.
