Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman have suggested that they might consider establishing diplomatic relations between their countries.
Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, has indicated that his country is gradually moving toward normalizing relations with Israel, similar to actions taken by other Gulf nations. This development aligns with the United States’ efforts to facilitate a Saudi-Israeli agreement.
In an interview with US broadcaster Fox News, MBS expressed optimism about this evolving relationship, emphasizing that they are getting closer every day. As the two nations get closer to a historic agreement, Mohammed bin Salman stated that the Palestinians would be “very important” in any deal to normalize relations with Israel. In his first appearance with an American TV network since 2019, Prince Mohammed stated that although talks to normalize relations between the US, Israel, and Saudi Arabia were progressing, the future of Palestine remained a contentious issue. “The Palestinian issue is crucial to us. In an excerpt from an interview with Fox News’ Special Report that was made available on Wednesday, he added, “We need to fix that portion. “We hope that it will get to a point where it will ease Palestinians’ lives and make Israel a player in the Middle East.” MBS added that Saudi Arabia might feel obligated to obtain nuclear weapons if Iran were to do so.
Saudi Arabia and Israel have historically been rivals of Iran, but relations have improved since Riyadh and Tehran agreed to restore diplomatic ties in March. Despite Iran’s denial of seeking nuclear weapons, international suspicions about its nuclear program persist.
The interview with Fox News anchor Bret Baier marked MBS’s first appearance on US television since 2019. Saudi Arabia has faced controversy, particularly regarding MBS’s alleged involvement in the 2018 killing of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
Following a series of interviews with various Saudi government and business figures, Baier noted that Saudi Arabia has undergone remarkable and positive changes. The world is closely watching as these nations move closer to a potential peace agreement that could have a lasting impact on the region.”
