In a recent interview with Bloomberg News, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his openness to consider gestures toward the Palestinians if this would facilitate a normalization agreement with Saudi Arabia. Netanyahu’s sentiments echo Foreign Minister Eli Cohen’s previous statement to the London-based Arabic-language site Elaph, emphasizing that the “Palestinian issue will not be an obstacle to peace.” While Netanyahu hinted that the Palestinian matter is under discussion, the depth of these conversations remains speculative.
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Washington perceives an Israel-Saudi agreement as beneficial to US national security. Saudi Arabia has juggled between expanding ties with China and Iran and building connections with pro-Western states. As part of the proposed deal, Riyadh might offer substantial aid to Palestinian West Bank institutions, dial back its China ties, and contribute to ending Yemen’s civil war. Additionally, the Saudis are reportedly seeking a defense pact with the US, advanced defense technology, and a civilian nuclear program.
Netanyahu remains hopeful about securing a deal with Riyadh, viewing it as a potential resolution to both the Arab-Israeli and Israeli-Palestinian conflicts. However, Saudi Arabia is expected to seek significant concessions from Israel regarding the Palestinians, posing challenges to Israel’s current, far-right government.