Israeli delegation to visit US amid 'Saudi Arabia-Israel talks': report

An Israeli delegation will head to the US next week for updates on alleged US-brokered efforts aimed at improving ties between Israel and Saudi Arabia, according to Israeli media reports.

Israeli National Security Adviser Eyal Hulata will meet with his US counterpart Jake Sullivan in Washington, Israeli news outlet Walla reported, citing three senior Israeli officials.

Hulata will be joined by senior defence and foreign ministry officials, the Israeli army, and intelligence agency Mossad, Walla reported the sources as saying.

The delegation will receive updates on talks held between two senior US officials who travelled to Saudi Arabia earlier this week for talks on oil, Israel normalisation, and relations with Iran, Walla said.

The meeting comes as Biden reportedly readies for visits to Israel and Saudi Arabia next month.

The US has been playing an intermediary role in warming ties between Israel and Saudi Arabia.

It is reportedly brokering a deal between Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Israel to transfer two strategic Red Sea islands from Egyptian to Saudi control.

The two islands, Tiran and Sanafir, control the entrance to the strategic Gulf of Aqaba that leads to the ports of Aqaba in Jordan and Eilat in Israel.

Some analysts believe the deal could pave the way for diplomatic ties between Israel and Saudi Arabia. Both countries have said they want better relations.