Saudi Arabia is renegotiating the terms of normalizing relations with Israel in an effort to sign a defense pact with the United States. In the past, Riyadh has indicated that Israel's commitment to a Palestinian state may be acceptable. However, in the wake of ongoing Israeli attacks on Gaza, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has re-imposed conditions on Israel to take visible steps towards the creation of a Palestinian state, Riyadh and Western officials said. British news agency Reuters reported this news.
While efforts have been made to conclude a Saudi-US defense deal during the term of US President Joe Biden, the issue may be limited to limited military cooperation, sources said. The agreement will cover joint military exercises, strengthening cyber security and missile defense. But it will not be a binding defense treaty like Japan or South Korea.
Abdulaziz Al-Sagar, head of the Gulf Research Institute, commented that Saudi Arabia would get a security deal that would increase US arms sales and military cooperation, but it would not be a full-fledged defense deal.
Donald Trump's second term is complicating this situation. The Trump administration pushed ahead with the 'Deal of the Century' plan, ignoring demands for a Palestinian state. It legitimized Israel's occupation of the occupied West Bank. Diplomats fear the plan is likely to be revived because Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner is close to the Saudi crown prince.
While the Riyadh-Washington deal remains suspended, Saudi officials have reiterated their commitment to the creation of a Palestinian state. A senior official in Riyadh said that stability in the Middle East is not possible by ignoring the Palestinian right to self-determination.
The Saudi leadership has termed Israeli military operations as 'genocide' against the backdrop of the Gaza conflict. Experts believe that the situation may change after the Gaza war. Especially if a new government is formed in Israel.
