Saudi-Israel Ties: A Trillion-Dollar Mirage?

Prospects for Saudi Arabia and Israel normalizing relations before the U.S. presidential election are fading due to significant obstacles and diverging priorities. While the Biden administration hoped to broker a historic deal, bridging the gaps between the two nations proves challenging. Saudi Arabia seeks a significant defense treaty with the U.S., similar to NATO's Article 5, and substantial assistance in developing a civilian nuclear program. However, U.S. lawmakers are wary of these demands, citing concerns about nuclear proliferation and human rights issues within Saudi Arabia. A key sticking point remains the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Saudi Arabia insists on meaningful concessions to the Palestinians as a condition for normalization, potentially including progress toward a two-state solution. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's current government, with its hardline stance on the Palestinian issue, presents a major obstacle. The U.S. faces pressure from both sides. Guaranteeing Saudi security while not enabling nuclear proliferation is delicate. Similarly, pushing Israel for Palestinian concessions could destabilize Netanyahu's coalition. The upcoming U.S. election further complicates matters, with uncertainty about the future administration's approach. While neither Saudi Arabia nor Israel has completely ruled out a deal, the complex demands and political realities make achieving a normalization agreement before the election unlikely. The timeframe for any future agreement remains uncertain, hinging on resolving these critical issues. find the original article here: https://www.yahoo.com/news/prospects-saudi-ties-israel-elusive-090208764.html