What’s happening:
Saudi Arabia indicates willingness to accept a political commitment from Israel regarding the establishment of a Palestinian state instead of demanding definitive action.
Why it matters:
This pivot might facilitate a US defense pact Saudi Arabia is pursuing, which holds significant potential impacts for the Middle East region, including its geostrategic dynamics and potential alliances. The Saudi move also comes against the backdrop of a temporally shelved normalization effort with Israel amidst concerns about regional conflicts.
Details:
Saudi officials, in dialogue with their United States counterparts, communicated that the Kingdom would not require Israel to take immediate concrete action towards the creation of a Palestinian state but would be open to a political commitment towards a two-state resolution.
The Big Picture:
Regional sources discuss that a broader deal of normalization between Saudi Arabia and Israel is largely complex. However, given the geo-political shifts and the emphasis on improved security against shared threats, prospects around a recomposed Middle Eastern geopolitical structure are high stakes.
Driving the news:
Early months saw intensive US diplomacy to bridge Israeli-Saudi relations paused by Riyadh amidst the war in Gaza sparking intense Arab opposition. However, a desire to counter Iran’s threats and press forward ambitious economic goals has Riyadh reconsidering the relationship with Israel.
Between the lines:
A new détente could help realign USA-Saudi relations at a time when China is gaining regional leverage, as well as furnishing Israel with strengthened defenses against Iran, offering President Biden a strategic diplomatic triumph ahead of elections.
Be smart:
Saudi authorities reportedly encouraged the US to pressure Israel to end military hostilities in Gaza as part of broader discussions for peace and regional advancement, which could eventually lead to Riyadh’s recognition of Israel and direct economic support for Gaza’s post-conflict reconstruction.
Yes, but:
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s historical stances are a significant barrier, having rejected the principal idea of a Palestinian state post the Gaza war and remaining opposed to key peace aspirations pressed by the US and Arab nations.
The bottom line:
Though Saudi Arabia seems ready to ease its conditions for rapprochement with Israel, considerable obstacles remain, with the Israeli stance on Palestinian statehood being pivotally decisive for any peace-driven advancements.
This story was first published on jpost.com.