Title: “Israel-Hamas war suspends normalization talks between Israel and Saudi Arabia”
Introduction :
In a context of extreme tension between Israel and Palestinian Hamas, Saudi Arabia has decided to suspend discussions on possible normalization with Israel, according to a source close to the Saudi government. This announcement, which comes at a time when US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is visiting Saudi Arabia, jeopardizes the Biden administration’s efforts to promote rapprochement between these two countries. This article examines the causes and consequences of this suspension of standardization discussions.
The Israel-Hamas war as an obstacle to normalization:
The war launched on October 7 by Hamas against Israel seriously compromised normalization discussions between Saudi Arabia and Israel. The surprise and unprecedented attack by the Palestinian Islamist movement resulted in the deaths of numerous Israeli civilians. In retaliation, the Israeli army carried out devastating raids in the Gaza Strip, causing the deaths of thousands of Palestinians, mostly civilians. In this context of violence and human suffering, Riyadh strongly condemned the bombing of “defenseless civilians” by Israel, also rejecting the forced displacements of the population of Gaza ordered by the Israeli authorities.
Consequences on standardization efforts:
The suspension of normalization talks between Saudi Arabia and Israel is a major setback for the Biden administration, which hoped to encourage rapprochement between these two countries. Since US President Joe Biden took office, the United States has stepped up diplomatic efforts to promote the normalization of relations between Israel and Arab countries. The conclusion of historic peace agreements between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan and Morocco had fueled hopes for positive change in the region. However, the new escalation of violence between Israel and Hamas has called these advances into question, with Saudi Arabia suspending talks.
Regional political issues:
This suspension of normalization discussions between Saudi Arabia and Israel highlights the complex political issues in the Middle East region. Saudi Arabia, a regional heavyweight, plays a central role in international relations and is often seen as a potential mediator in Middle East conflicts. However, its decision to suspend talks with Israel demonstrates the importance of Arab solidarity and the defense of Palestinian rights for the Saudi kingdom. This stance can be seen as a popular gesture to ease tensions among its population, but it also highlights divisions among Arab countries themselves, with some continuing to support normalization with Israel despite the current situation.
Conclusion :
The suspension of normalization talks between Saudi Arabia and Israel following the war between Israel and Hamas reflects the complex political challenges and sensitivities in the Middle East region. As the US administration continues its diplomatic efforts to encourage rapprochement between Israel and other Arab countries, this new escalation of violence highlights the obstacles these initiatives face. The situation remains volatile and uncertain, with potential consequences on the geopolitical balance of the region.