World
December 18, 2024 11:50
tel aviv - Negotiators are currently working overtime for a potential deal for Gaza, with Saudi Arabia also getting involved in the terms of the agreement.
Regional powerhouses Israel and Saudi Arabia were close to a deal before the bloodshed of October 7, but wars in Gaza and Lebanon disrupted the progress.
The situation has now been completely turned upside down, with a ceasefire in Lebanon, the fall of Assad, and decreased influence of Iran in the Middle East. Trump's election victory, known for his good relations with Saudi Arabia, is also seen as a factor in potentially fostering relations between the two countries.
Saudi officials have been in contact with people around Trump, including his intended envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff. According to Haaretz, a deal between Israel and Saudi Arabia is almost a done deal.
Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer, a confidant of Prime Minister Netanyahu, reportedly held secret talks with Saudi officials in recent weeks.
After the initial phase of a possible Gaza deal, which involves the release of some of the hostages during a temporary ceasefire, a more permanent ceasefire and normalization of relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia are expected to follow.
In return, Riyadh would secure a defense pact with the United States and receive advanced American weapons. Israel, on the other hand, is expected to provide a realistic prospect for the establishment of a Palestinian state.
Netanyahu's office quickly denied the reports. Their statement emphasized Netanyahu's efforts against the establishment of a Palestinian state that could endanger Israel's security. However, coalition partners of the prime minister might be able to accept a somewhat vague promise.
Saudi Arabia has harshly criticized Israel's actions in Gaza, calling it a 'genocide.' The recent deployment of Israeli troops near the Syrian border also received strong criticism. On the other hand, the kingdom crack down on Saudi citizens openly criticizing Israel, and state media do not hesitate to highlight the Israeli perspective as well.
During his first term, Trump brokered historic agreements between Israel and the UAE, Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan. A deal with Saudi Arabia would be a significant achievement and a culmination of his efforts in the region.
Before a deal can materialize, an agreement on Gaza is necessary. There is now serious movement in the long-stalled process, with talks taking place at various high levels, including in Doha, Cairo, and Qatar. Trump aims to have a Gaza deal reached before his inauguration.