Title: Israel and Saudi Arabia: Towards a historic peace?
Introduction :
In his speech to the United Nations General Assembly, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed progress toward “historic peace” between Israel and Saudi Arabia. The statement echoes recent comments from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, suggesting that relations between the two countries are moving closer to normalization with each passing day. However, the idea of peace between Israel and Saudi Arabia raises many questions and is not unanimous. In this article, we examine the challenges of this possible normalization and its impact on the geopolitical situation in the region.
Towards spectacular progress:
Netanyahu referred to the recent normalization of relations between Israel and three Arab countries in 2020, seen as the start of a new era in the region. He said these advances would pave the way for a historic peace with Saudi Arabia, which would help end the Arab-Israeli conflict and encourage other Arab countries to normalize relations with Israel. However, it is important to note that Palestinians have expressed opposition to this normalization, emphasizing that their legitimate rights must be taken into account in any peace process.
Iran’s role:
During his speech, Netanyahu also expressed concerns about Iran’s nuclear program. He said Iran posed a nuclear threat and that he would do everything in his power to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. This positioning is consistent with Israel’s policy which considers Iran an existential threat.
Geopolitical implications:
If peace between Israel and Saudi Arabia materializes, it would have major repercussions for the region and global geopolitics. Indeed, Saudi Arabia is one of the most influential countries in the Middle East and has considerable influence over other Arab countries. Its normalization with Israel could prompt other Arab states to follow suit, upsetting the balance of alliances and rivalries in the region.
Conclusion :
The prospect of historic peace between Israel and Saudi Arabia is a subject that arouses both hope and controversy. While Netanyahu welcomes this possible normalization, it is important to take into account the reactions of the Palestinians and the broader geopolitical issues. Developments in the relationship between Israel and Saudi Arabia should be closely monitored, as they could have significant consequences for peace and stability in the Middle East region.