Israel-Saudi Arabia Normalization Deal Requires Better Treatment Of Palestinians

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has given only a handful of interviews to Western media outlets, particularly since the 2018 killing of Saudi dissident Jamal Khashoggi.

The Washington Post columnist was killed in an operation by Saudi agents that the US intelligence says was likely approved by the Kingdom’s de facto ruler.

The prince has denied any involvement, however. Five years since the incident, he gave a rare interview with Fox News on Wednesday, highlighting the state of relations with Israel.

Prince Mohammed said ongoing negotiations with Israel mean the prospects of normalised relations between both countries is getting closer every day.

Saudi Arabia is discussing a landmark deal with the US, with talks centering on normalised ties with Israel for a US defence pact and support in developing its own civilian nuclear programme.

Nevertheless, treatment of Palestinians remains an important issue, with Saudis stressing any agreement would require substantial progress towards the creation of a Palestinian state.

However, the requirement could prove a hard sell for the most religious and nationalist government in the history of Israel – led by Benjamin Netanyahu.

Peace Agreement Between Israel And Saudi Arabia

Answering questions on what it would take to normalise relations with Israel, Prince Mohammed said: “For us, the Palestinian issue is very important. We need to solve that part.”

The interview aired shortly after US President Joe Biden met Netanyahu on Wednesday, while both were in New York for the meeting of the UN General Assembly.

Afterward, the prime minister’s office said the meeting dealt with ways to establish a peace agreement between Israel and Saudi Arabia.

The historic deal “could greatly advance an end to the Arab-Israeli conflict and facilitate the establishment of an economic corridor to link Asia, the Middle East and Europe.”

One of the most notable announcements during the G20 Summit in India earlier this month was the rail and shipping corridor that’s expected to boost trade and improve connectivity.

Since assuming his current role, US President Biden has patched up relations with the Saudi Crown Prince while seeking his assistance in controlling oil prices and managing other issues.

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Riyadh has remained largely neutral on the brutal war in Ukraine, while maintaining good relations with Washington, Beijing and Moscow.