Saudi Arabia Seeks Modest US Defense Pact Amid Palestinian Statehood Stalemate
Saudi Arabia has shifted away from pursuing a robust US defense pact tied to normalizing relations with Israel, emphasizing the necessity of progress toward Palestinian statehood. Crown Prince MbS insists that normalization is contingent on Israel’s compliance with the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative. A more modest defense agreement is now on the table, as Riyadh and Washington aim for a resolution before President Biden’s tenure concludes.
On November 29, reports surfaced indicating that Saudi Arabia has effectively abandoned its pursuit of a defense treaty with the United States that was contingent upon normalization with Israel. Instead, Riyadh is now seeking a more modest agreement. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MbS) has reiterated that any normalization with Israel hinges on the latter’s dedication to advancing towards establishing an independent Palestinian state, in accordance with the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative.
Despite Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s eagerness to achieve normalization with Saudi Arabia, which he views as a pivotal accomplishment, internal political dynamics hinder significant progress. The Israeli Premier recognizes that any advance towards a two-state solution could jeopardize his ruling coalition.
Wary of the deadlock between Saudi Arabia and Israel, sources indicate that both Riyadh and Washington are optimistic about concluding a less ambitious defense pact before President Joe Biden’s term ends in January. Earlier this year, discussions had highlighted Riyadh’s initiative for a comprehensive defense alliance with the US, including access to advanced military equipment and a nuclear program backed by the US; however, these talks stalled due to Israel’s ongoing resistance to Palestinian statehood.
The report follows recent developments, including a fragile ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel in Lebanon. President Biden praised the ceasefire as a step towards realizing a more integrated West Asia, promoting normalization among Arab nations and Israel. He emphasized Washington’s commitment to facilitate a peace agreement concerning Israel and Saudi Arabia that would encompass a viable framework for establishing a Palestinian state.
The relationship between Saudi Arabia and the United States has long been influenced by regional geopolitics, particularly the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The 2002 Arab Peace Initiative laid the groundwork for normalization between Arab nations and Israel, contingent upon Israel’s acceptance of a two-state solution with Palestine. The recent stalling of negotiations for a robust defense pact reflects a shift in Riyadh’s approach to its diplomatic engagements, particularly amid rising tensions and geopolitical volatility in the region.
In conclusion, Saudi Arabia’s decision to pursue a more moderate defense agreement with the United States signals a significant shift in its foreign policy strategy, especially concerning normalization with Israel. The ongoing stalemate over Palestinian statehood continues to be a central issue hampering diplomatic relations. As both Riyadh and Washington remain hopeful for a revised agreement before the end of President Biden’s term, the actions of Israel will play a crucial role in shaping the future of this complex geopolitical landscape.
Original Source: thecradle.co
