In a significant geopolitical development, Israel and Saudi Arabia are edging closer to a historic accord to normalize relations, marking a momentous shift after decades of animosity, as disclosed by the White House on Friday.
President Joe Biden is orchestrating a strategic maneuver in the Middle East, with aspirations to achieve a diplomatic triumph in an election year—securing the acknowledgment of the Jewish state by Saudi Arabia, the guardian of Islam’s sacred sites.
National Security Council spokesman John Kirby addressed reporters, highlighting that all parties involved have painstakingly carved out a fundamental framework for what could be a monumental breakthrough. However, acknowledging the intricate nature of such an arrangement, Kirby emphasized that compromises and actions from all sides would be indispensable.
The United States has fervently advocated for its Middle East allies, Israel and Saudi Arabia, to embark on the path of normalized diplomatic relations, following the precedent set by the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Morocco.
Recent remarks from Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince and de facto ruler, Mohammed bin Salman, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have indicated a convergence of interests and a notable warming of relations.
Saudi Arabia, in particular, has been actively pursuing security assurances, including the possibility of a treaty with the United States, in exchange for formalizing ties with Israel.
However, the Palestinian issue looms large in the backdrop. Palestinians have vehemently asserted that any such agreement must take their concerns into consideration. They argue that a comprehensive and lasting peace in the Middle East hinges on a resolution that incorporates a two-state solution.
The evolving dynamics in the region are poised to reshape the geopolitical landscape, and the delicate negotiations between Israel and Saudi Arabia hold the promise of a transformative shift in Middle Eastern affairs.
By AFP
