US Nears Historic Deal Between Mohammed Bin Salman And Benjamin Netanyahu Amid Gaza Conflict But Israel May Take A Step Back

The Biden administration announced on Tuesday that a U.S.-brokered deal to normalize relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia is within reach. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may hesitate to accept the agreement.

What Happened: The hesitation comes due to Riyadh’s demands for a new commitment to a Palestinian state and a halt to the Gaza war, The Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday. Secretary of State Antony Blinken informed the Senate Foreign Relations Committee that Saudi Arabia requires calm in Gaza and a credible pathway to a Palestinian state as part of the deal.

For months, the Biden administration has hoped Netanyahu would seize the opportunity for normalization with Riyadh, aiming to halt the Gaza war and transform regional divisions.

Netanyahu, facing pressure from right-wing coalition members and fighting for political survival, has yet to agree to key elements of the deal essential for Saudi approval.

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During a recent visit, National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan held talks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and briefed Netanyahu on the White House’s Middle East blueprint.

Israel is currently attacking Rafah, the last Hamas stronghold in southern Gaza, which Netanyahu insists must be taken, even if it delays the deal.

To encourage Saudi recognition of Israel, U.S. officials have offered Riyadh a formal defense relationship, civil nuclear power assistance, and a renewed push for a Palestinian state.

Sealing this landmark deal could reshape Middle Eastern politics, solidify an Israeli-Arab coalition against Iran, and be a diplomatic victory for President Biden as he faces re-election.

Why It Matters: The potential U.S.-brokered deal comes amid a backdrop of intense negotiations and regional instability. Earlier this month, Saudi Arabia and the U.S. were reportedly close to finalizing a security pact, which includes U.S. security guarantees and civilian nuclear assistance to Riyadh. This pact aims to stabilize the region, disrupted by the ongoing Gaza conflict.

In late April, hopes for a Gaza ceasefire rose as intensive talks led by Blinken suggested a possible 40-day truce in exchange for the release of hostages held by Hamas. However, the situation escalated in mid-May when Israel intensified its strikes on Gaza, coinciding with Sullivan’s visit to Netanyahu to prevent a full-scale assault on Rafah.

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