In a momentous revelation, Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen has asserted that a pivotal peace agreement between Israel and Saudi Arabia could catalyze harmonious relations with six to seven other Muslim nations. Cohen’s statement, conveyed during an interview with Kan News in the aftermath of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address at the United Nations General Assembly, underscores the profound implications of a prospective Israel-Saudi pact.
Cohen articulated, “Peace with Saudi Arabia transcends mere bilateral accord; it paves the way for amicable engagement with the wider Muslim world.” While the specific nations remain undisclosed, Cohen hinted that these countries, situated in Africa and Asia, have expressed sincere interest in forging peace with Israel. Notably, some of these nations have directly initiated contact with the Israeli Foreign Minister.
This revelation resonates with the strategic objectives of U.S. President Joe Biden, who seeks to orchestrate a transformative shift in the Middle East and secure Saudi Arabia’s recognition of Israel, potentially securing an election-year diplomatic triumph.
Prime Minister Netanyahu, in his address to the UNGA, voiced his optimism regarding an impending peace accord with Saudi Arabia, predicting that President Biden could play a pivotal role in reshaping the Middle East. However, amid exhortations from Riyadh and Washington for Palestinian involvement in regional diplomacy, Netanyahu maintained a stance that the Palestinians should not possess veto power over the regional negotiations.
Recent meetings between Netanyahu and President Biden in New York underscored the feasibility of a comprehensive U.S.-backed deal aimed at normalizing relations with Saudi Arabia, marking a significant milestone. It is imperative to note that Saudi Arabia, a staunch supporter of the Palestinian cause, has consistently emphasized the prerequisite of a Palestinian state’s existence before embracing normalization with Israel.
The United States has persistently urged its enduring ally, Riyadh, to embark on a diplomatic journey toward normalization with Israel. Such a diplomatic breakthrough would undoubtedly be a monumental achievement for Washington, following the trailblazing Abraham Accords with the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Morocco.
Additional inputs from AFP and Reuters
