The United States and Saudi Arabia are on the verge of finalizing a historic bilateral agreement aimed at normalizing relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel, according to a source familiar with the matter. This agreement has been a priority for President Joe Biden. A U.S. official confirmed significant progress was made during a meeting on Saturday between National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia.
In a statement, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the draft agreement as “nearly final.” The discussions included U.S. security guarantees and civilian nuclear assistance for Saudi Arabia. The U.S. is seeking to create a pathway for a two-state solution for Israel and the Palestinians and to end the conflict in Gaza.
The meeting also focused on the need for a credible track to achieve a two-state solution, halt the war against Hamas militants in Gaza, and facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid. Sullivan’s visit included talks in Israel to discuss bilateral and regional matters, including efforts to achieve lasting peace and security in the region.
Saudi Arabia, the world’s largest oil exporter, seeks to generate substantial renewable energy and reduce emissions under an ambitious long-term plan. Critics, however, suggest Riyadh might also want nuclear expertise for potential future nuclear weapons development, despite safeguards in any deal with Washington.
During his visit, Sullivan also aimed to pressure Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to adopt a political solution to the war in Gaza. Sullivan emphasized the need for Israel to connect its military operations with a political strategy to ensure the lasting defeat of Hamas and the release of hostages.
The potential three-way agreement would involve a U.S.-Saudi security agreement, normalization of Saudi-Israel relations, and peace between Israelis and Palestinians. Sullivan proposed measures to protect Palestinian civilians and ensure more aid flows into Gaza.
Domestically, President Biden faces pressure from his party’s leftwing base, critical of his support for Israel. During a commencement speech at Morehouse College, Biden highlighted the complexities of achieving lasting peace in the region and underscored the importance of addressing the rights of the Palestinian people.
The U.S. has recently withheld a shipment of bombs to Israel to prevent their use in dense urban areas, though military aid continues to flow otherwise. This move reflects Washington’s concern for civilian casualties and the broader implications of the ongoing conflict.
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