Title: The evolution of relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia: towards historic peace?
Introduction :
Relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia are at the center of international news. During his speech at the UN, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed optimism that a “historic peace” could be achieved between the two nations. This statement echoes recent comments by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who said the two countries were getting closer every day to the normalization of their relations. In this article, we will analyze this development in relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia and discuss its potential impact on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Towards a normalization of relations:
It is undeniable that relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia have evolved considerably in recent years. In 2020, Israel managed to normalize relations with three Arab countries: the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Sudan. This progress was described by Benjamin Netanyahu as the “dawn of a new era”. Since then, encouraging signs have emerged of a normalization of relations between Israel and other Arab countries, including Saudi Arabia.
The benefits of broader peace:
According to Benjamin Netanyahu, a peace agreement between Israel and Saudi Arabia would have a significant impact on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He says it would encourage other Arab countries to normalize relations with Israel and increase the chances of lasting peace with the Palestinians. However, it is important to note that Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas stressed during his speech to the UN that the two-state solution remains the key to real peace in the Middle East.
The shadow of Iran:
Another crucial aspect of this evolving relationship between Israel and Saudi Arabia is their shared concern about the Iranian threat. Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated his commitment to preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and considers this issue a top priority. This shared concern strengthens the rapprochement between the two countries and could be a catalyst for even closer cooperation in the future.
Conclusion :
The evolution of relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia opens up new perspectives in the complex geopolitical context of the Middle East. If a “historic peace” were to be achieved, it would have a major impact on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and could encourage other countries to follow in their footsteps. However, it is important to note that the legitimate rights of Palestinians and the two-state solution must be taken into account to achieve true regional stability. The question of the Iranian threat also remains a crucial element in this evolution of relations. It remains to be seen how these developments play out in the coming months, and whether truly lasting peace can be achieved in the region.