Saudi and Israel – It's Complicated

Saudi and Israel – It's Complicated

From American Diplomat by Ambassador (Retired) Pete Romero and Writer/Producer Laura Bennett

March 26, 2026 · 52 min

About this episode

The episode discusses the evolving relationship between Saudi Arabia and Israel, highlighting women's rights in Saudi Arabia and the complexities of the Middle East conflict.

In Saudi Arabia women now drive, work and travel as they please, and the country has moved toward normalizing relations with Israel. Amb. Michael Ratney tells of change in Saudi and shares stories of Israel, where the only way forward is for all of us – Israelis, Palestinians and everyone – to humanize each other. Does the present war boil down to Iran against everybody in this intensely multifaceted part of the world? And what will Saudi do?

People in this episode

Hosts: Ambassador (Retired) Pete Romero, Writer/Producer Laura Bennett

Guest: Amb. Michael Ratney

Topics covered

  • Saudi Arabia
  • Israel
  • women's rights
  • normalization of relations
  • Middle East conflict
  • humanization
  • Iran

Keywords

  • Saudi Arabia
  • Israel
  • women driving
  • normalization
  • Middle East
  • Iran
  • Palestinians
  • humanization

Mentioned in this episode

Places: Saudi Arabia, Israel, Iran, Palestinians

More episodes of American Diplomat

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the American Diplomat podcast page.