Mohammed bin Salman says normalisation between Saudi Arabia and Israel is "getting closer"

After several months of meetings between senior US and Saudi officials, as well as rumours of a possible normalisation between Saudi Arabia and Israel, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman confirmed that the Kingdom is "getting closer and closer" to recognising the Hebrew state during an interview with Fox News.

During his conversation with journalist Bret Baier, Bin Salman also stressed that for Riyadh the Palestinian issue "is very important", so they must "resolve this part". "We hope to reach a point that makes life easier for the Palestinians and that Israel becomes a player in the Middle East", explained the Saudi leader, who also confirmed the support of Joe Biden's administration in reaching an agreement. 

Saudi Arabia could thus become the next Arab country to recognise and establish ties with Israel, joining others such as the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Morocco, three nations that have significantly increased their cooperation with Jerusalem in various fields in recent years.

For Israel, such a normalisation agreement would be a major milestone in its foreign policy, as well as furthering its integration in the region. The US has also stressed that this issue is a key point for its own national security, as it strengthens its influence in the region vis-à-vis Iran and counteracts China's growing presence in the Gulf. Likewise, a deal between Saudi Arabia and Israel would be an important political victory for Biden ahead of the 2024 elections, where he is seeking a second term in office.  

Saudi Arabia, for its part, would also benefit from normalisation. The Abraham Accords have had a very positive impact on the signatory countries at various levels, such as commercial, economic and cultural, although, thanks to the Century Accord, strong cooperation has also been achieved in important areas such as security and defence.

On the other hand, in exchange for a normalisation agreement with Israel, Riyadh hopes to reach a defence pact with the United States and aid to develop its civilian nuclear programme. The Kingdom also wants concessions for the Palestinians, a point that is quite difficult to achieve given Israel's current government. However, according to Bin Salman, so far there have been "good negotiations". 

This interview was broadcast shortly after President Biden met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. This meeting, the first between the two leaders since Netanyahu returned to power in December, comes at a time of tensions between the two countries over the controversial judicial reform promoted by the Israeli government, which has provoked massive protests in the country, as well as strong social division.  

In addition to expressing "concern about any fundamental change in Israel's democratic system", Biden reiterated his commitment to normalisation efforts between Riyadh and Jerusalem. "I believe that under his leadership we can forge a historic peace between Israel and Saudi Arabia," said Netanyahu, who said that an agreement between the two nations would be helpful in advancing "the end of the Arab-Israeli conflict, achieving reconciliation between the Islamic world and the Jewish state and promoting peace between Israel and the Palestinians". 

Meanwhile, Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen told a national media outlet that relations with Riyadh could be established in the first quarter of 2024, enough time for such an agreement to be ratified by both the US Congress and Senate before the November presidential elections.  

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