Saudi-Israel normalization emerges as leverage for post-war Gaza
Dormant discussions of a two-state solution are back on the US and regional agenda as part of Israel-Saudi normalization talks shelved after Oct. 7.
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WASHINGTON — As it clashes with Israel over a plan for Gaza's day after, the Biden administration has suggested a historic peace accord between Saudi Arabia and Israel could be leveraged to secure a pathway for Palestinian statehood.
Preliminary talks are underway to pick up where negotiations left off before Oct. 7, when the two rivals were inching closer to an agreement that would see Saudi Arabia formally recognize Israel’s existence in return for US security guarantees, help developing a civilian nuclear program and modest concessions for the Palestinians.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who on Thursday concluded his fourth trip to the Middle East since the Gaza war erupted, said eventual rapprochement with Israel was among the topics he discussed during his meeting this week with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. US national security adviser Jake Sullivan also raised normalization during meetings in Israel and the West Bank last month, sources in both capitals said.
