The Biden administration is ramping up efforts to broker a landmark deal between Israel and Saudi Arabia, aiming to cement historic normalization, the Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday. .
The White House is seeking active engagement with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a renewed push to establish a Palestinian state, sources said. In return, Riyadh would extend diplomatic recognition to Israel.
The proposed agreement provides an attractive set of incentives for both parties.
For Israel, the prospect of normalizing relations with Saudi Arabia, its prominent Arab neighbor, is a long-awaited outcome. The Biden administration hopes the proposal will not only strengthen regional stability but also serve as a strategic counterbalance to Iran’s growing influence.
U.S. officials say recent joint efforts to counter the Iranian threat, particularly the successful interception of Iranian missiles and drones, highlight the potential benefits of a close relationship between Israel and Saudi Arabia. claims.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets US President Joe Biden in Tel Aviv, Miriam Alster/Flash 9
This strategic alliance, they argue, could strengthen Israel’s security while fostering broader regional cooperation.
However, securing Prime Minister Netanyahu’s commitment to participate in talks on establishing a Palestinian state remains a difficult challenge. Netanyahu faces considerable pressure to prioritize Israel’s security interests amid domestic opposition and heightened security concerns following recent attacks.
Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman meets with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, Pool)
In contrast, Saudi Arabia has long advocated the establishment of a Palestinian state as part of its vision of regional peace. Riyadh has indicated it is willing to accept verbal assurances from Israel on the issue, but the path to normalization depends on concrete progress towards a Palestinian state.
The Biden administration’s diplomatic efforts also seek to address broader security and strategic interests. Talks with Saudi Arabia include a wide range of issues, including defense cooperation, nuclear power acquisition and regional stability.
IDF forces begin operations in Gaza on April 17, 2024, IDF spokesperson
Despite these efforts, significant obstacles remain. The war in Gaza is complex to negotiate, and continued hostilities threaten to hamper diplomatic progress.
Nevertheless, supporters of the Saudi-Israel normalization deal remain optimistic. Army Minister Benny Gantz, a prominent advocate within the Israeli government, recognizes the potential for a strategic alliance against common threats, particularly Iran.
Gantz viewed the Saudi-Israeli agreement as an important step forward and stressed the importance of reconciliation and peace efforts in Gaza.
