Israel makes breakthrough in normalisation talks with Saudi Arabia

A leading Israeli newspaper has reported that Israel has reached a breakthrough in talks on normalisation with Saudi Arabia without Israel agreeing to the explicit recognition of a Palestinian state.

Haaretz reported on December 17th that Israel would only grant the kingdom a vague commitment to “a path towards a Palestinian state.”

The negotiations are being conducted by Netanyahu through Israel’s minister of strategic affairs Ron Dermer, with the government and political-security cabinet being kept out of the picture.

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The US is mediating the talks, and Israel is coordinating with both the Biden administration and president-elect Trump, whose administration is expected to offer Saudi Arabia incentives including a defence pact between the kingdom and the US, the sale of weapons systems and more.

Israel and Saudi Arabia have been conducting talks to normalise relations and end the war in Gaza, which were accelerated following the ceasefire in Lebanon.

Saudi Arabia, going back to the 2002 Arab peace plan, has demanded Israel recognise a Palestinian state for Arab countries in-turn to recognise Israel. Saudi foreign minister Faisal bin Farhan al-Said announced in September a coalition of Arab states and international organisations to promote recognition.

However, those around Netanyahu believe Saudi crow prince Mohammed bin Salman has no personal interest in the recognition of a Palestinian state, and needs progress only to legitimise normalisation with Israel.

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Netanyahu believes his political support base will accept the vague formulation of a “path toward a Palestinian state,” without the need for an concrete moves.

Normalisation could make a deal to end the war in Gaza and release hostages easier, as the kingdom is interested in ending the war and wants to participate in rebuilding Gaza.

Haaretz