Occupied Palestine (Quds News Network)- Saudi Arabia is prepared to normalize relations with Israel and drop its demand for Palestinian state recognition in exchange for ending the genocide in Gaza and participating in Gaza’s reconstruction, Haaretz has reported.
Sources familiar with the negotiations said Israel would offer Saudi Arabia a vague commitment to a “path towards Palestinian statehood.” This marks a significant shift from Saudi Arabia’s longstanding position requiring full recognition of a Palestinian state.
The breakthrough in talks comes as Saudi Arabia pushes to secure its role Gaza after the genocide. The agreement would also facilitate a cease-fire and the release of Israeli prisoners.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has shown limited personal interest in Palestinian statehood. Instead, he views symbolic progress on the issue as necessary to satisfy domestic political and religious sentiment. During a meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in January, the crown prince acknowledged his population’s renewed focus on Gaza. “Do I care personally about the Palestinian issue? I don’t, but my people do, so I need to make sure this is meaningful,” he reportedly said.
The normalization talks are being led by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu through Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer. The United States serves as mediator and guarantor, with both the Biden administration and President-elect Donald Trump’s team involved. Trump’s incoming administration is expected to offer benefits such as a US-Saudi defense pact and advanced arms sales.
The deal allows Saudi Arabia to maintain its public commitment to the Palestinian cause while prioritizing its role in post-war Gaza. Israel views Saudi involvement in Gaza’s reconstruction as a way to channel funds and secure cooperation from Arab states, which are usually described as allies to the US.
This breakthrough follows Israel’s cease-fire agreement with Lebanon and signals a broader realignment in regional alliances. For Netanyahu, the deal’s vague reference to a “path towards Palestinian statehood” is expected to gain domestic support without requiring concrete commitments.
Source: qudsnen
