Announcement comes hours before Biden expected to fly to Jeddah to announce successful brokering of deal that will also see Egyptian islands transfered to Saudis

Riyadh only granted Palestinian leader a short phone call with king, amid reports Saudi Arabia would take steps toward normalization with Israel long opposed by Ramallah

Hatice Cengiz says US leader must press kingdom to embrace human rights agenda, provide answers on fate of partner's remains

Middle East diplomat confirms agreement is moving forward; will allow Israeli airlines to fly over Arab kingdom as well as direct flights from Israel for Muslim pilgrims

Crown prince has eased some restrictions in kingdom and advanced plans for futuristic city, all at same time as stifling dissent, locking up opponents and waging war in Yemen

Israeli officials focused on possible breakthrough with Riyadh, though itinerary for two days in Jerusalem and Bethlehem indicates Washington has other priorities as well

A potential shift in Biden's approach toward Riyadh would likely require the Gulf state to take sterps toward ending the war in Yemen, sources tell Reuters

US president issues tweet the same minute that Lapid becomes premier, says is looking forward to seeing him and Bennett on visit next month

US president says trip not about Saudi Arabia, even though Riyadh will be hosting summit he'll attend; makes no mention of Palestinian issue

Ambassador charged with battling Jew hatred abroad says Riyadh jumped on proposal to visit, noting Saudi influence on Muslim education worldwide; will also travel to Israel and UAE