Progress Towards US-Saudi Deal with Key Israeli Condition
State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller highlights advancements towards a potential deal between the United States and Saudi Arabia. However, he stresses that a critical component involves Israel agreeing to a pathway for a future Palestinian state. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s reluctance to make concessions before the recent Gaza conflict complicates matters.
Miller emphasizes that while progress has been made on bilateral aspects of the agreement, the normalization component with Israel remains a sticking point. Despite Netanyahu’s opposition, discussions between Saudi Arabia and the White House persist, aiming for a normalization agreement despite the blow to Israel’s international standing from the recent conflict.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed this diplomatic initiative during his recent visit to Riyadh, focusing on the two-state solution and the reconstruction and governance of Gaza. Miller clarifies that while agreements with Arab countries are on the table, Saudi Arabia insists on calm in Gaza and a clear path to Palestinian statehood before signing off on any deal involving Israel’s normalization.
In essence, while progress is being made, the situation remains complex, contingent upon Israel’s cooperation and the stability of Gaza.
