Title: Israel and Saudi Arabia: towards historic peace?
Introduction :
In his speech to the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu noted significant progress toward “historic peace” between Israel and Saudi Arabia. This statement echoes the words of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who recently spoke of a growing rapprochement between the two countries. This article will look at the implications of this potential normalization of Israeli-Arab relations and the reactions it provokes.
The path to standardization:
Benjamin Netanyahu recalled during his speech the normalization of relations between Israel and three Arab countries in 2020, calling this event a “new era”. According to him, this progress opens the way to an even more significant rapprochement with Saudi Arabia. For his part, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman also expressed optimism about an imminent normalization of bilateral relations. This move could help end the Arab-Israeli conflict and encourage other Arab countries to follow the example.
Regional issues:
Peace between Israel and Saudi Arabia would have major consequences for the stability of the region. It would strengthen the prospects for peace with the Palestinians and could encourage other Arab countries to normalize relations with Israel. However, Netanyahu stresses that the Palestinians should not have a veto over new peace negotiations between Israel and Arab states. While Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has insisted on the need to take into account the legitimate rights of his people, the issue of the two-state solution remains crucial.
The Iranian challenge:
The Israeli Prime Minister also spoke about the Iranian nuclear threat, emphasizing the need to confront this challenge. He pledged to do everything possible to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. This position comes against the backdrop of growing tensions between Israel and Iran, a country considered a major threat to Middle East security.
Conclusion :
The possibility of a “historic peace” between Israel and Saudi Arabia represents a major turning point in the region. This potential normalization of Arab-Israeli relations could contribute to a resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and pave the way for increased stability in the Middle East. However, challenges remain, including the question of legitimate Palestinian rights and the Iranian nuclear threat. The evolution of this situation therefore deserves continued and analytical attention.