(Israel Hayom via JNS) Saudi Arabia is engaged in serious talks with Israel about establishing business ties and strengthening security coordination, The Wall Street Journal reported.

Riyadh and Jerusalem do not maintain official diplomatic ties, but the Gulf kingdom “is expanding secretive talks with Israeli leaders,” according to the report.

The Saudis have so far held off from joining the Abraham Accords, saying any progress in relations with Israel was dependent on progress in the Israeli-Palestinian peace process. However, according to The Wall Street Journal, the Biden administration is actively mediating between the two with the aim of declaring steps that could lead toward normalization. The conservative Islamic kingdom “senses a shift” in its public toward establishing official relations with the Jewish state, according to the report.

Biden criticized Riyadh upon assuming office over such issues as its human-rights record and the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. However, there has been a recent rapprochement between the White House and the Saudis, as indicated by the president’s planned trip there next month.