NY Times says Netanyahu recently held 40-minute call with Blinken on Saudi demands, while envoy McGurk led delegation to region last week

Defense Ministry officials note surge in demand for Israeli-made weapons due to Russia's war on Ukraine, uptick in interest from Arab allies; nearly quarter of exports are drones

Vote comes days after Blinken said administration already planning to create position, demonstrating determination in Congress to leave footprint on Israel normalization effort

Prime minister also tells Sky News Israel 'will do what we need to do' against Iran's nuclear program, says he's trying to reach middle ground on judicial overhaul

Asked about Riyadh's widely reported demand that US back its civilian nuclear program, bin Farhan says kingdom prefers support from US but notes there are other potential 'bidders'

But former defense minister says he could back moves from the opposition, with Riyadh expected to make demands for concessions to Palestinians opposed by PM's hardline allies

Top US diplomat Blinken tells AIPAC that integrating Israel in region a 'cornerstone' of White House Mideast policy, pans Israel for steps undermining Palestinians dignity

Ohana to meet counterpart in Rabat on 1st official visit by head of Israeli legislature to Muslim country's parliament; Israel waiting for kingdom to set date for next Negev Summit

State Department says secretary will work to advance regional integration and is looking for opportunities short of full-on normalization between Riyadh and Jerusalem

Assistant secretary of state says there's been 'a lot of hyperventilation' in the media following reports supposedly revealing details of US-led talks between Jerusalem and Riyadh