U.S. Senator Urges Israel and Saudi Arabia to Establish Diplomatic Ties
Prominent U.S. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham emphasized the urgency for Saudi Arabia and Israel to normalize diplomatic relations by the end of the year. Graham warned that the next U.S. administration may struggle to gather enough support for such a deal. He highlighted the strategic implications of delayed normalization, stating that Iran could benefit from the lack of an alliance between Israel and Saudi Arabia.
Addressing the potential for a U.S.-brokered normalization agreement, Graham encouraged the establishment of a defense treaty akin to those in Japan and Australia. He underscored the importance of accomplishing this during President Biden’s tenure, aiming to prevent a nuclear-armed Iran without resorting to military action.
Graham’s visit to Israel, meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, signified his commitment to facilitating discussions in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The intricacies of the Palestinian situation, regional stability, and the impact of potential accords on the broader Arab world were central to the discussions between political leaders.
Regardless of the challenges posed by the conflict with Hamas and Netanyahu’s views on a two-state solution, the push for Israeli-Saudi normalization carries significant ramifications for Middle Eastern geopolitics, with potential ripple effects on regional peace and security.
Netanyahu’s vision of a historic reconciliation through diplomatic ties with Saudi Arabia underscores the transformative potential of such agreements on interfaith relations and regional stability.