Saudi Arabia and the US agree to regularise relations with Israel
The Wall Street Journal reports that the US and Saudi Arabia have reached a broad understanding on a possible deal in which the Saudi monarchy would agree to recognise Israel in exchange for Palestinian concessions, US security guarantees and civilian nuclear assistance. Despite acknowledging the slim prospects, US officials have expressed cautious optimism that the finer points of the deal can be resolved in the next nine to twelve months.
The two sides have yet to agree on a common framework for negotiations, White House spokesman John Kirby said on Wednesday. There is still a lot to talk about here, he said. Kirby's comments came shortly after the Wall Street Journal, citing US officials, reported earlier in the day that Washington and Riyadh had reached agreement on the broad contours of an Israeli-Saudi normalisation deal. "I think that's true. To be honest, some people may believe that the discussions are more advanced and that there is more certainty than there really is based on the reports," Kirby said.
Following a meeting between Jake Sullivan, President Biden's national security adviser, and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, negotiations have accelerated. Discussions are currently underway on the details of Saudi Arabia's requests for US assistance in developing a civilian nuclear programme and providing security assurances.
The Saudis want Israel to support the creation of a Palestinian state in return for considerable concessions. In addition, the US is putting pressure on Saudi Arabia to rein in its growing ties with China. Riyadh publicly urged Tel Aviv to carry out the so-called Arab Peace Initiative of 2002 to create a Palestinian state in order to sign an agreement with Israel.
Arabia has made it clear that it will not normalise relations with Israel until the Palestinians are granted statehood, despite attempts by US and Israeli officials to add it to the list of Arab nations that have signed the Abraham Accords.
Tzachi Hanegbi, Israel's national security adviser, has confirmed that no specific proposals have yet been made to the Israeli authorities. To investigate the components of the possible agreement, US officials have indicated that a roadmap is in place.
A shared understanding between Washington, Riyadh and Jerusalem that the time is right to negotiate a deal has led to a push for a Middle East peace agreement. To counter Iranian threats, President Biden wants to reduce the US military presence in the area.
Although the National Security Council has emphasised that the talks are still in their early stages and that no formal frameworks or agreements have been established, talks are still ongoing. The Biden Administration is also seeking assurances from Saudi Arabia that, as part of the agreement, it will cut ties with China militarily and economically.
However, as part of a possible deal to normalise relations with Saudi Arabia, members of Israel's far-right government (Executive headed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu) say they will not make any concessions to the Palestinians. Officials in Washington claim that Saudi Arabia is privately requesting that they guarantee the Kingdom's security in the event of an attack and grant access to both more modern American weaponry and civilian nuclear technology.
Overall, while progress has been made on the general concepts of a possible Middle East peace deal, more discussions and negotiations are still needed to finalise the details and address the many difficulties involved. The White House has been embarrassed by the Kingdom's advancing ties, and Washington's efforts to include Saudi Arabia in the list of Arab nations that have signed the Abraham Accords come at a crucial time when Biden is running for re-election.
Americas Coordinator: José Antonio Sierra.
