Israel and Saudi Arabia: A Path to Normalization

Israel and Saudi Arabia are moving towards the outline of a historic US-brokered deal to normalize relations after decades of hostility, the White House said on Friday. President Joe Biden is hoping to transform the Middle East — and score an election-year diplomatic victory — by securing recognition of the Jewish state by Saudi Arabia, the guardian of Islam’s two holiest sites.

Framework for Normalization

“All sides have hammered out, I think, a basic framework for what, you know, what we might be able to drive at,” National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters.

“But, as in any complex arrangement, as this will inevitably be, everybody is going to have to do something. And everybody is going to have to compromise on some things.”

US-Brokered Deals in the Middle East

The United States has urged its Middle East allies Israel and Saudi Arabia to normalize diplomatic relations, following on from similar deals involving the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Morocco.

Saudi Arabia's Security Guarantees

Saudi Arabia’s crown prince and de facto ruler, Mohammed bin Salman, recently said that the two sides were getting closer, as did Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Saudi Arabia has been seeking security guarantees, including reportedly a treaty, with the United States in return for normalizing with Israel.

The Palestinian Perspective

But the Palestinians have warned that they must be taken into account in any deal, saying there can be no peace in the Middle East without a two-state solution.

Historical Events

The path to potential normalization between Israel and Saudi Arabia is significant in the context of the complex history of the Middle East. While recent developments suggest progress, it's essential to consider key historical events:

• 1948: The establishment of the State of Israel leads to regional tensions and conflicts.
• 1967: The Six-Day War further exacerbates tensions in the region as Israel occupies territories including the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem.
• 1979: The Iranian Revolution and the rise of an anti-Israel government in Iran reshape regional dynamics.
• 1993: The Oslo Accords provide a framework for peace negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians.
• 2020: The Abraham Accords mark a shift in Middle East diplomacy as the UAE and Bahrain normalize relations with Israel.

These historical events provide context for the evolving relationships in the Middle East.

Conclusion

The potential normalization of relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia represents a significant development in the complex landscape of Middle Eastern diplomacy. It reflects efforts by the United States to reshape regional alliances and promote stability. However, the Palestinian question remains a critical factor in the pursuit of lasting peace and stability in the region.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the significance of normalizing relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia?

Normalizing relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia could have far-reaching implications for Middle Eastern diplomacy, including potential stability and regional alliances.

2. How have previous US-brokered deals influenced the region?

Previous deals, such as the Abraham Accords involving the UAE and Bahrain, have reshaped Middle East diplomacy and alliances.

3. What role do Palestinians play in these developments?

The Palestinian perspective is crucial, as they advocate for a two-state solution and emphasize their importance in achieving lasting peace in the Middle East.