Biden administration works to normalize relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel
As tensions are rising in the Middle East due to the conflict between Israel and the Palestinian armed faction Hamas, Saudi Arabia has expressed its interest in normalizing relations with Israel after the war, American internet media outlet Axios reported on the 1st (local time). .
According to reports, John Kirby, White House National Security Council (NSC) Strategic Communications Coordinator, said this to reporters on Air Force One that day.
Coordinator Kirby said, without revealing specific details, “We (the U.S. and Saudi Arabia) believe there is a path back to normalization of relations, and I am confident that Saudi Arabia will pursue it as well.”
He said the war in Gaza makes it difficult for relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia to progress, but added, “It’s clear that we remain committed to that and the Saudis are committed to that as well.”
Before the war between Israel and Hamas began, U.S. President Joe Biden had been working hard to negotiate the normalization of Israeli-Saudi relations, called a ‘mega deal’, including a peace agreement between Saudi Arabia and Israel.
Saudi Arabia did not condemn Hamas’ surprise attack on Israel that occurred on the 7th. Since the war began, Saudi officials have been critical of Israel’s operations in Gaza.
Meanwhile, Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman visited Washington, D.C., on the 30th of last month and met with White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, and then met with senior officials of the Biden administration, including U.S. Secretary of State Tony Blinken and U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, on the 1st. had a meeting
It is reported that Minister Khalid will coordinate the positions of U.S. authorities and Israel regarding ground operations in the Giza district during his visit to the United States.
“They (Saudi officials) emphasized the importance of working toward a lasting peace between Israel and the Palestinians, which the United States and Saudi Arabia have discussed over the past several months,” the White House said.
Secretary Khalid tweeted that he had conveyed to Sullivan the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, protecting civilians, allowing humanitarian aid, and resuming the peace process.
The White House said that President Biden previously explained the United States’ diplomatic and military efforts to prevent the war between Israel and Hamas from spreading to other regions in a phone call with Crown Prince bin Salman on the 24th of last month.
A bipartisan congressional delegation led by Senator Lindsey Graham (Republican, South Carolina) visited Saudi Arabia 10 days ago and met with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Regarding the talks in Saudi Arabia, sources said the senators had been told by Saudi officials that they were still interested in normalizing relations with Israel.
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.