Riyadh, 23 September 2023 (TDI): Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, has indicated that the normalization of relations with Israel is drawing closer.
In an interview Mohammed bin Salman shared that the two nations are getting closer to a historic agreement, highlighting the ongoing efforts by the United States to broker such a deal.
The potential normalization between Saudi Arabia and Israel could have significant geopolitical implications for the Middle East.
While discussions regarding normalization are ongoing, they are part of a more extensive negotiation process.
This process includes potential Israeli concessions to the Palestinians, discussions about US security guarantees, and assistance with civilian nuclear programs that Saudi Arabia has been pursuing.
Mohammed bin Salman emphasized that the Palestinian issue remains crucial to Riyadh, expressing the importance of resolving this matter as part of any normalization agreement.
He underscored that the ultimate goal is to improve the lives of Palestinians and have Israel play a constructive role in the Middle East.
US officials have been optimistic about the prospects of a regional mega-deal, seeing it as a foreign policy achievement, especially as President Joe Biden seeks re-election in 2024.
This initiative also coincides with a meeting between President Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, where both leaders emphasized the importance of preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
Mohammed bin Salman also addressed the topic of Iran, stating that if Iran were to obtain a nuclear weapon, Saudi Arabia would feel compelled to do the same.
Saudi Arabia has had a longstanding adversarial relationship with Iran, although relations have shown signs of improvement since both nations agreed to restore diplomatic relations earlier this year.
The broadcast of this interview marks a rare public appearance for Mohammed bin Salman on US television.
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It comes amidst ongoing controversy related to his alleged involvement in the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018, a claim that Saudi Arabia denies.
Overall, the interview highlights the evolving dynamics in the Middle East, with Saudi Arabia inching closer to potential normalization with Israel.
This development is part of a broader regional transformation that could reshape the geopolitical landscape in the region.
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