Saudi Arabia and Israel Close to Normalizing Relations, but Palestinian Issue Remains
Saudi Arabia and Israel are edging closer to normalizing relations, although the Palestinian issue continues to pose a challenge. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, also known as MBS, emphasized the importance of the agreement for ongoing negotiations.
Progress in Normalization Talks
In an interview, Crown Prince MBS expressed optimism about the ongoing conversations aimed at establishing diplomatic relations between the two countries. These discussions occur as President Joe Biden’s administration seeks to mediate historical relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel, two of Washington’s key allies in the Middle East.
Complex Negotiations
The normalization talks focus on complex negotiations that also address American security, civil nuclear guarantees, and potential Israeli concessions to the Palestinians. Riyadh is seeking possible concessions from Israel to help resolve the Palestinian issue.
Importance of the Palestinian Issue
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman emphasized the significance of the Palestinian issue, stating that its resolution is crucial for reaching a normalization agreement. He expressed hope that such an agreement would improve the lives of Palestinians and involve Israel as a key player in the Middle East.
Concerns about Iran
Mohammed bin Salman also expressed concerns about the possibility of Iran, a common adversary of Saudi Arabia and Israel, obtaining a nuclear weapon. Saudi Arabia aims to contain Iran, and the prince warned of the consequences if Iran were to possess such a weapon.
US Role and Potential Benefits
While US officials acknowledge that progress is still distant, they recognize the potential benefits of a regional deal between Saudi Arabia and Israel. These benefits include reducing tensions in the Arab-Israeli conflict, countering Iranian influence, and addressing Chinese invasions in the Gulf. For President Biden, a successful normalization could also be a significant foreign policy win as he seeks re-election in 2024.
Saudi Arabia’s Stance on Israel
In January, Saudi Arabia severed its relations with Israel due to the absence of a two-state solution for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Despite being a close partner of the United States, Saudi Arabia has refrained from normalizing relations with Israel because of its occupation of Palestinian territories.
Abraham Accords and Saudi Arabia
The United States brokered the Abraham Accords in 2020, leading to the establishment of full diplomatic relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia’s neighbors, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly expressed his desire to see Saudi Arabia join this list of countries.
