Saudi Arabia is reinforcing its year-old rapprochement with Iran and distancing itself from renewed overtures to normalise relations with Israel, according to people briefed on the kingdom’s thinking. Officials in Riyadh see continued engagement with Tehran as a prudent way to manage tensions with their largest neighbour across the Gulf, especially after Israel’s recent strikes on Iranian targets escalated regional instability. The shift marks a reversal from the months preceding the October Gaza war, when Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had explored a landmark deal to establish diplomatic ties with Israel in return for a US defence pact. Analysts now say the domestic and reputational costs of such a move have risen sharply, and that Saudi leaders regard Israel as an increasingly militaristic and disruptive actor. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former US President Donald Trump have floated reviving a peace initiative, but Saudi officials have given no indication they will re-enter the talks. The decision also aligns Riyadh with other Gulf capitals that are seeking to avoid being drawn into further conflict and to preserve a fragile détente with Iran-backed forces, including the Houthis in Yemen.