RIYADH, Saudi Arabia – Approximately 200 prominent Jewish business leaders and influential figures are gathering in Riyadh this week for an economic forum, according to a report by The Jerusalem Post. The secretive three-day event is being convened by the recently established Israel Economic Forum (IEF).

The IEF, a membership-by-invitation organization, was founded by CEO Avi Jorisch and Managing Director Shai Romirowsky. It describes itself as "a global community of extraordinary leaders who share a deep connection to Israel and are invested in its long-term economic success and enduring leadership on the world stage."

The invitation-only forum evaluates membership candidates through three primary tracks:

• Senior executives—such as CEOs, chairpersons, founders, or managing directors—of companies with an annual turnover of at least $10 billion, a market capitalization of $20 billion, or assets under management exceeding $250 billion.

• Individuals with a personal net worth of $20 billion or more.

• Recognized leaders who have made an exceptional impact on Israel's economic advancement and global standing through distinguished public service or notable private enterprise. Former Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Michael Oren is cited as an example.

The forum's visit occurs at a sensitive geopolitical moment. Israel faces a hearing at the International Court of Justice concerning allegations of genocide, while the United States and Israel have signaled ongoing efforts to normalize relations with Saudi Arabia under the Abraham Accords framework. Saudi officials have consistently stated that normalization is contingent on the establishment of a Palestinian state, a condition Israel has rejected.