The destruction of Iranian drones last year was an early example of a new regional military project that President Biden is trying to shore up during his Middle East visit.
Saudi Arabia is investing in sporting events, like an upstart golf tour, as part of a yearslong drive to turn the country into a hot spot for business and tourism and to blunt criticism of its human rights record.
The meeting of diplomats from Israel, the U.S. and four Arab countries was momentous just for taking place. But in private, they tried to hash out differences over Iran and the war in Ukraine.
The countries, which have their own relationships with Russia, have provided some modest backing, but Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken will ask for more.
Four Arab foreign ministers will meet in Israel’s Negev desert on Sunday, along with their U.S. counterpart. The talks mark a realignment of Middle Eastern powers, accelerated by the war in Ukraine.