Ramallah seems to have accepted the inevitability of Israeli-Saudi normalization, as revealed through a series of diplomatic exchanges led by Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas, also known as Abu Mazen. The latter has been in contact with Saudi officials to negotiate the Palestinians' positioning vis-a-vis Riyadh's anticipated recognition of Israel.
Despite Saudi Arabia's long-standing commitment to the Arab Peace Initiative, which advocates for a two-state solution, Palestinians have grown increasingly aware that their concerns are being sidelined in subterranean dialogues between Riyadh and Jerusalem. Realizing that Saudi-Israeli normalization is not a question of "if" but "when," Palestinian leadership is now focusing on leveraging any benefits they might gain from this geopolitical shift.
Since Palestinians don't have the will or ability to sign peace with Israel and benefit from its economic fruits, looks like they reasoned that they better get a cut out of #Saudi prosperity, expected to vastly expand from normalization with #Israel.
— Hussain Abdul-Hussain (@hahussain) September 5, 2023
Today (Wednesday, September 6, 2023), a delegation from the Palestinian Authority arrived in Riyadh. The delegation, comprised of key figures such as Intelligence Chief Majed Faraj, PLO Executive Committee Secretary General Hussein al-Sheikh, and Mahmoud Abbas’s political advisor Majdi al-Khaldi, is expected to meet Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan among others. Their aim is to demand concrete actions, possibly including a halt in settlement constructions, as a form of compensation for acquiescing to normalization between Saudi Arabia and Israel.
Earlier interactions between Abbas and Saudi officials have reinforced this posture. Palestinian insiders disclosed that Abu Mazen would not obstruct a Saudi-Israeli accord as long as it yields tangible benefits for the Palestinian populace.
Meanwhile, the Lebanese newspaper Al-Akhbar reported that Mahmoud Abbas had convened with high-ranking Palestinian officials to discuss Ramallah's strategy concerning a potential Saudi-Israeli agreement. This is a remarkable shift from their prior stance against the Abraham Accords, which saw normalization of relations between Israel and other Arab countries like UAE, Bahrain, and Morocco. Former PLO Executive Officer Saib Erekat had previously lambasted these accords, accusing Gulf states of betrayal—a viewpoint that later required a retraction due to the financial repercussions it had on the Palestinian Authority.
Palestinians promise ‘no embarrassment to US, Saudi in Israel normalization talks’ #USA #Israel #SaudiArabia #PaleStininans https://t.co/me9mPaBSHF pic.twitter.com/nPZPIetAdW
— Eli Dror (@edrormba) September 5, 2023
Interestingly, it was Hussein al-Sheikh, the current Secretary General of the PLO, who apparently persuaded Abbas to adapt to the new geopolitical realities. He argued that the Saudi-Israeli normalization would proceed regardless of the Palestinian Authority's consent. The focus now should be on maximizing the benefits of this impending move, rather than resisting it.
This fresh approach also includes a request to Saudi Arabia to aid in stabilizing the financial health of the Palestinian Authority. Part of the PA's fiscal woes emanate from Israel's withholding of tax revenues, which is implemented due to the PA's ongoing support for prisoners involved in terrorist activities.
#Saudi officials say Palestinian issue not central to normalization with #Israel. Israeli officials say Palestinian issue not central to normalization.
— Hussain Abdul-Hussain (@hahussain) September 5, 2023
Only party that makes Palestinian issue central is Team Biden, NYT, and five "Progressive" senators.https://t.co/yaC2j17OlS
It seems that the Palestinian Authority is pivoting towards a more pragmatic approach, finally acknowledging that Israeli-Saudi normalization is a fait accompli. Whether this change in attitude results in any tangible benefits for them remains to be seen, but it undeniably marks a new chapter in Middle East diplomacy, one that could offer opportunities for greater stability and peace in the region.
