Saudi Arabia is engaged in "serious talks" with Israel about establishing business ties and strengthening security coordination, the Wall Street Journal reported Monday.
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Riyadh and Jerusalem do not maintain official diplomatic ties, the Gulf kingdom "is expanding secretive talks with Israeli leaders" and the move "could reshape Middle East politics and end decades of enmity between two of the region's most influential nations," the report said.
The Saudis have so far held out on joining the Abraham Accords, saying any such progress was dependent on progress in the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, but according to the report, the administration of US President Joe Biden is actively mediating between the two with the aim of declaring bilateral steps that could facilitate normalization at a later stage.
According to the Wall Street Journal report, the conservative Islamic kingdom "senses a shift" in its public toward establishing official relations with the Jewish state.
Biden criticized Riyadh upon assuming office over such issues as its human rights record and the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. However, there has been a recent rapprochement between the White House and the Saudis as indicated by the president's potential trip there next month.
Israel has been more involved with the Saudis recently as well, including trips by leaders in the private sector and through official channels over the issue of the transferring of the sovereignty of the Red Sea Tiran and Sanafir islands from Egypt to Saudi Arabia.
The report further cited sources as saying that the shift in Riyadh's position is likely rooted in the growing support among the Saudi public for ties with Israel, especially among Saudis under the age of 30.
Meanwhile, a Saudi official said that US President Joe Biden's visit to the kingdom has been delayed "until Washington fulfills Riyadh's demands."
Shura Council member Ibrahim al-Nahhas told local media that the visit, slated to take place later this month, was delayed "until arrangements are completed in a way that serves the interests of the kingdom and the region.
"This is why we are heading to work with those who are able to work for the common interests and for the two peoples," he said.
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