Israel’s Foreign Minister, Eli Cohen, said on Monday that Israel was “the closest we have ever been to a peace agreement” with Saudi Arabia, amidst a flurry of diplomatic activity shuttling between the Gulf Monarchy, U.S. and Jewish State.
Echoing the sentiment, the lead editor of the English-language Arab News called a Saudi – Israel peace deal “highly likely”. Virtually all Saudi press operates with the Kingdom’s approval, meaning it is probable that editorials are closely aligned with the views of the state.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has previously described the prospective agreement as a top priority for his government, which could end both the Arab-Israeli and Israeli-Palestinian conflicts.
Mr. Cohen’s statements follow Mossad Chief David Barnea’s visit to Washington, where he met with National Security Advisor of the United States Jake Sullivan and National Security Council Coordinator for the Middle East and North Africa Brett McGurk. “We continue to support for normalisation with Israel”, a White House National Security Council spokesperson commented, adding that talks continue “about how more progress can be made”.
The two American diplomats travelled to Jeddah following the meeting to discuss initiatives with the Crown Prince, suggesting that the U.S. is taking the prospect very seriously as the delegation occurred so soon after Mr. Sullivan’s last visit in May. American officials reported privately that the talks were largely positive.
The Arab News reported on the common threats faced by both the U.S. and Gulf Monarchy, arguing that the Kingdom has nothing to fear from Israel and that the U.S. has nothing to fear from Saudi Arabian demands.
Such demands have presented hurdles: a U.S. – Saudi NATO-style mutual security pact, the provision of advanced defence technology and development of a civilian nuclear programme included. The terms have been considered non-starters by previous U.S. governments.
Israeli National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi said Israel’s approval would not be required. “Dozens of countries operate projects with civilian nuclear cores”, he continued, “this is not something that endangers them nor their neighbours” before adding that, “Israel will not give in to anything that will erode its security”.
In return, the U.S. would like to see China’s influence rolled back in the region and an end to Saudi’s campaigns in Yemen. The Arab News article called for military cooperation and with it, security for international oil prices – which are significantly affected by Saudi policy.
Israeli officials have reported that Saudi Arabia’s King Salman has weighed in on the issue to assure negotiations include a deal for the Palestinians, which would likely receive a large aid package henceforth. Although negotiations did not initially hinge on Palestinian concessions, Israeli officials now consider them a condition for moving forward.
Mr. Cohen has asserted that the Palestinians are “not a barrier” to a peace deal on Channel 12 news.
