Saudi Arabia’s state-aligned media has recently adopted an unusually assertive critical stance toward Israel, underscoring fraying prospects for formal diplomatic normalisation and reflecting broader geopolitical tensions across the Middle East. Editorials in leading Saudi publications have sharply challenged Israeli conduct, particularly in the context of the ongoing Gaza conflict, framing actions by Jerusalem in terms that depart from previous cautious official rhetoric.

In January, the Saudi daily Al Riyadh published an editorial accusing Israel of disregarding international law and state sovereignty, asserting that the presence of Israeli forces “brings ruin and destruction.” Religious figures within the kingdom have echoed these themes, with sermonic remarks targeting Israeli policy resonating in some public forums. This media pivot marks a notable departure from earlier messaging that had emphasised measured criticism of specific actions while maintaining an overarching diplomatic reserve.

Analysts attribute this shift in part to internal and regional dynamics, including Riyadh’s intensifying rivalry with the United Arab Emirates for regional leadership. The UAE’s participation in the Abraham Accords, a series of United States-backed normalisation agreements with Israel, has contrasted with Saudi Arabia’s repeated insistence that full normalisation requires a credible pathway to a Palestinian state. Harder media language toward Israel serves both to align with popular public sentiment — particularly in response to the humanitarian toll in Gaza — and to underscore political distinctions with Gulf neighbours that have moved ahead with formal ties.

Saudi officials have publicly maintained that the kingdom’s official position has not changed, reaffirming support for diplomatic efforts to resolve disputes and rejecting the use of Saudi territory or airspace in any military operations. Riyadh has positioned itself as advocating for dialogue and de-escalation, particularly in discussions with regional partners and during direct communications with Tehran’s leadership. Nonetheless, the increasingly confrontational tone in state-backed press coverage represents a significant shift in the public narrative surrounding Israel.

The evolving discourse has attracted attention beyond the region, with concerns raised among Western policymakers about the implications for long-standing initiatives aimed at fostering rapprochement between Riyadh and Jerusalem. While Saudi leaders continue to assert a commitment to peace negotiations tied to the resolution of the Palestinian issue, the current media environment reflects the complexities facing normalisation efforts amid heightened regional tensions and competing diplomatic priorities.