After two years into President Biden’s term, negotiations between American and Saudi officials to establish diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel have hit a roadblock due to the Israel-Hamas war that began last October. Despite efforts to revive the talks, including demands for a cease-fire in Gaza and steps towards a Palestinian nation, Israeli leaders have shown resistance.
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan have been engaging with Saudi leaders to push for a deal that includes a U.S.-Saudi mutual defense pact and cooperation on a civilian nuclear program in the kingdom. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s refusal to support the creation of a Palestinian state has complicated the negotiations.
The Biden administration sees a potential three-way grand bargain involving Israel, Saudi Arabia, and Palestine as a crucial step towards a long-term solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. While Saudi officials remain optimistic about the progress made in the talks, the reluctance of Israeli leaders to commit to a Palestinian state poses a significant challenge.
As the negotiations continue, the Biden administration is working towards finalizing a comprehensive agreement that addresses the concerns of all parties involved. The outcome of these discussions could have far-reaching implications for the Middle East region and the prospects for peace and stability.