In a statement that could signal a major shift in Middle Eastern geopolitics, Israeli President Isaac Herzog described the potential normalization of relations with Saudi Arabia as a historic “game-changer.” Speaking at the Israel Democracy Institute, Herzog revealed that he had discussed this possibility with US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan on Sunday.
“There is an option for normalization with Saudi Arabia. This is a move that could bring about tremendous change, a historic ‘game-changer’ that constitutes a victory over the empire of evil,” Herzog stated. He clarified that this “empire” extended beyond Hamas, referring to broader threats to Israel’s international connections.
Herzog highlighted that Iran and its proxies, along with proponents of boycotts, were actively trying to undermine these connections. He criticized the recent statement by the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court in The Hague, who equated the Israeli government with terrorist leaders, calling it an aggressive and cynical campaign against Israel.
US Ambassador Jack Lew, speaking at the same event, emphasized the need for a period of quiet in Gaza and a dialogue on the future of Palestinian governance. “My view is, that strategic benefit is worth taking the risk of getting into that conversation about. But that’s a decision that the government of Israel will have to make and the people of Israel will have to make,” Lew said.
On Monday, the United States described a bilateral defense pact with Saudi Arabia as “near final.” This pact is part of a broader proposal presented to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who will have to decide on making concessions to secure normalization of ties with Riyadh. While Netanyahu has long pursued such a diplomatic achievement, the ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza poses significant challenges. Seven months into the war, a ceasefire remains elusive, and Netanyahu maintains that it is too early to discuss post-conflict Palestinian governance.
Leave a Reply