Saudi Arabia and Israel to Start Direct Talks on Normalization and Defense Pact
Negotiations between Saudi Arabia and Israel are accelerating following Israel's pause in its Gaza conflict. According to an Israeli newspaper,
“In recent weeks, amid intensive contacts and message exchanges, Washington has been working to arrange an official announcement on the launch of the talks during Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's upcoming visit to Washington in about two weeks.”
Key Participants in the Talks
- Jared Kushner, senior advisor to US President Donald Trump and his son-in-law
- Ron Dermer, Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister
- Reema bint Bandar Al-Saud, Saudi Ambassador to Washington
- Advisors to Mohammed bin Salman (MbS)
Background on the Normalization Effort
Before the recent Gaza conflict, MbS was close to signing a normalization deal with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The Saudi Crown Prince's terms reportedly included:
- US security guarantees against Iranian attacks
- Access to advanced US weapons and civilian nuclear technology
- Establishment of a Palestinian state
Impact of the Gaza Conflict
Negotiations were delayed due to Israel's offensive in Gaza, which resulted in the deaths of at least 68,872 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and widespread destruction of the area. Now that a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has been agreed upon, prospects for the deal are improving.
“Momentum towards a deal is reportedly increasing following the ceasefire.”
Author's summary: Direct talks between Saudi Arabia and Israel, facilitated by the US, are gaining traction amid a Gaza ceasefire, aiming for normalization linked to security and Palestinian statehood guarantees.