Saudi defense minister defuses realignment fears in DC talks with Jewish leaders
Saudi Arabia’s defense minister, Prince Khalid bin Salman, told Jewish and pro-Israel leaders in Washington that Riyadh’s rhetoric does not reflect the monarchy’s policy and that ongoing military, security, and intelligence cooperation with Israel remains intact; he praised Israel’s actions against Hezbollah in Lebanon but disagreed with Jerusalem’s recognition of Somaliland; the off-the-record meeting also touched on broader regional dynamics with Turkey and other partners, with attendees noting no clear Saudi pivot toward Islamist actors; a source cited Axios saying Khalid warned that if Trump does not act against Iran, Tehran will be emboldened.