In a recent interview with Fox News, Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman expressed optimism about normalizing ties with Israel, marking a significant shift in the regional dynamics. However, he emphasized that the Palestinian issue remains crucial in the US-brokered talks. Discussions between Israeli and US officials have revealed a plan that could involve Riyadh openly enriching uranium, raising concerns about the potential implications for nuclear weapons proliferation. While Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not publicly responded to this report, the meeting between him and US President Joe Biden at the UN General Assembly in New York suggested a positive outlook towards establishing diplomatic relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia. Israel’s Foreign Minister also indicated the possibility of a framework deal being reached by early next year, with hopes of securing ratification in the US Congress. Nevertheless, critics within the Democratic Party raise concerns about Saudi Arabia’s human rights record, making the achievement of a foreign policy breakthrough significant for the Biden administration ahead of the upcoming presidential election.
The potential normalization deal between Saudi Arabia and Israel is part of the US-led efforts to build on the Abraham Accords, which saw Israel sign agreements with the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain in 2020. In exchange for normalizing ties, Saudi Arabia seeks major military support from the US, cooperation in establishing its own civilian nuclear program, and significant Israeli concessions to the Palestinians. However, the current religious and nationalist government in Israel poses challenges to achieving such concessions. Crown Prince Mohammed reiterated the importance of resolving the Palestinian issue, stating that negotiations have been progressing well. Palestinian demands for the deal include financial aid and increased control of land in the occupied West Bank.
The potential deal raises concerns among Israeli lawmakers, particularly regarding the prospect of Saudi Arabia becoming a nuclear power under a right-wing government. Reports suggest that Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has instructed nuclear and security experts to collaborate with American negotiators on a proposal for a “US-run uranium enrichment operation” in Saudi Arabia. While safeguards would be included in the plan, it still requires approval from President Biden. The Crown Prince also expressed concerns about Iran acquiring nuclear weapons, stating Saudi Arabia’s need to balance power if that were to happen.
The implications of a Saudi Arabia-Israel normalization deal are multifaceted. Politically, it would reflect a major regional shift and could potentially contribute to resolving long-standing conflicts and improving stability in the Middle East. However, the deal must also address the concerns of the Palestinians and navigate the complexities of Israeli domestic politics. Additionally, the prospect of Saudi Arabia enriching uranium raises nuclear proliferation concerns, warranting careful scrutiny and robust safeguards.
As the negotiations progress, it is essential to monitor the impact on regional dynamics, including relations between other Arab countries and Israel. The potential deal also has implications for the Biden administration’s foreign policy agenda and its efforts to balance human rights concerns with regional stability. Overall, the progress towards a Saudi-Israel normalization deal presents an opportunity for progress but requires careful navigation to address various challenges and ensure a balanced and inclusive agreement.
