THE fluidity of the situation in the Middle East is creating strange bedfellows.

Over the weekend, a Saudi delegation, led by a retired general, was in Israel to discuss, amongst other things, the Palestine problem.

Considering that the kingdom has no official ties with the Jewish state — which continues to occupy large swathes of Arab territory — the high-profile visit is significant as it reflects a possible new strategic understanding in the region.

Though the Saudi delegation was visiting in an unofficial capacity, it is highly unlikely the trip was undertaken without the royal palace’s approval.

Also, the fact that high-ranking Israeli foreign ministry officials received the visitors reflects the importance of the trip on both sides.

Saudi-Israeli backchannel contacts have reportedly occurred several times, albeit in third countries; this would be the first major interaction on Israeli soil.

Anwar Eshki, leader of the Saudi delegation, stressed that Israel must make peace with the Palestinians before normalisation of ties with the wider Arab world.

He was also critical of Iran, criticism which must have been well received in Tel Aviv, as both the Saudis and Israelis have a common foe in Tehran.

If the Saudi initiative is designed to seek a just deal for the Palestinians, it should continue. However, Israel’s track record does not leave much room for enthusiasm.

Senior Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, have ruled out the Palestinians’ right of return to their homeland, as well as vacating the occupied territories, including Arab East Jerusalem and Syria’s Golan Heights.

With such rigidity on display, as well as Israel’s penchant for unleashing frequent, brutal violence upon the Palestinian people, can a fair deal be expected?

Moreover, if the Saudi outreach is designed to cement an anti-Iran alliance with Israel, it will only further destabilise a region on edge.

Riyadh should move forward with its attempts at peace as long as the Palestinians are on board, and their rights, dignity and just demands are protected.

Published in Dawn, July 27th, 2016