Saudi Arabia’s de facto leader, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, conveyed on Wednesday that the prospect of normalized relations with Israel is drawing nearer. In an interview with Fox News, he underscored the kingdom’s commitment to pursuing diplomatic ties with Israel. However, he also issued a stern warning, stating that Saudi Arabia would seek nuclear weapons if its regional rival, Iran, acquires them first.
Prince Mohammed bin Salman, widely regarded as the effective leader of Saudi Arabia, expressed optimism about the evolving relationship with Israel. “Every day we get closer,” he affirmed, alluding to the progress in forging diplomatic ties. Notably, he refuted claims that Saudi Arabia had halted US-brokered talks with Israel, dispelling rumors of a suspension in negotiations.
While signaling a positive trajectory, the crown prince emphasized the significance of addressing Palestinian rights as a prerequisite for full normalization. He cited concerns over Israel’s continued expansion of controversial settlements in the occupied West Bank, an issue that remains central to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. “For us, the Palestinian issue is very important. We need to solve that part,” he stated during the interview, as per excerpts released by Fox News.
Saudi Arabia’s recognition of Israel would be a historic milestone in Middle East diplomacy, given the kingdom’s role as the guardian of Islam’s two holiest sites. Israel has already normalized relations with five Arab nations, and Saudi Arabia’s acknowledgment would carry immense regional and global implications.
Both Saudi Arabia and Israel share a common stance of hostility toward Iran, a Shiite clerical state that has frequently clashed with Saudi Arabia and its Arab allies. The crown prince reiterated his country’s commitment to ensuring its security in the face of Iran’s nuclear ambitions. “If they get one, we have to get one,” he warned, suggesting that Saudi Arabia would pursue nuclear weapons if Iran did the same.
In pursuit of normalized relations with Israel, Saudi Arabia has been seeking security guarantees from the United States. These guarantees, which reportedly include the possibility of a treaty, would be part of the broader diplomatic process.
The Biden administration has grappled with diplomatic challenges in the Middle East, particularly concerning strained relations with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Saudi Arabia, however, maintains a historically close relationship with the United States, despite previous controversies surrounding Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, including allegations of his involvement in the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed the transformative potential of normalization between Saudi Arabia and Israel, emphasizing its positive impact on regional stability and cooperation. While recognizing the complexities involved in achieving this goal, Blinken highlighted the potential for bringing nations together and averting conflict in the region.
As diplomatic discussions continue, the world watches closely as Saudi Arabia navigates the path toward closer ties with Israel while asserting its determination to safeguard its security interests in an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.
Sources By Agencies
