US and Saudi Arabia near agreement on defense and civil nuclear deal

A potential breakthrough in diplomatic relations between the United States, Saudi Arabia, and Israel is on the horizon, according to a senior US official. Talks between Washington and Riyadh have made significant progress, with a near-final set of bilateral agreements in place regarding American assistance on defense and a civilian nuclear program.

However, a broader pact involving Israel hinges on the creation of a credible path towards a Palestinian state. The recent conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza must also wind down before a final three-way deal can be agreed upon.

National security adviser Jake Sullivan recently held talks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss the potential grand bargain. The US has made it clear that any deal depends on securing a pause in fighting in Gaza, with a focus on getting talks over a ceasefire back on track.

The situation in Rafah, a southern Gazan city where over 1 million people sought sanctuary, is also a key factor in the ceasefire negotiations. More than 800,000 Palestinians have fled the city after an Israeli offensive, despite US opposition to such actions. The US has also paused shipments of bombs to Israel and threatened to withhold them fully if a full-scale invasion of Rafah occurs.

Overall, the potential for a diplomatic breakthrough in the region is complex and multifaceted, with various factors at play. The US is actively involved in mediating discussions and offering resources to help stabilize the situation and track down key figures involved in the conflict.