Twenty Democratic senators addressed President Joe Biden in a letter, expressing their support for a potential normalization agreement between Israel and Saudi Arabia, but also voicing concerns about a mutual defense agreement and assistance in a civilian nuclear program, along with their demands for some Palestinian benefits within the deal.
In the letter, the senators noted, "Historically, security guarantees in defense agreements have only been given to America's closest allies: democracies, which share our interests and values." They criticized Saudi Arabia, stating it is an "authoritarian regime that undermines American interests in the region.' They also remarked, 'Regularly, even if it has a troubling human rights record."
Silver lining of 20 senators petitioning Biden against peace between #Saudi Arabia and #Israel is that they showed their size. Now we know that whatever treaty Biden wants to pass in the senate will get at least 75 votes. Should Saudi Israeli normalization be held hostage by 20?
ā Hussain Abdul-Hussain (@hahussain) October 4, 2023
Apart from that, the senators also expressed concern that the rights of the Palestinians will be left behind as part of the agreement. They called on Israel to commit not to annex all or part of the West Bank, to stop the construction of settlements and their expansion, and to evacuate illegal outposts. According to them, Israel should allow the Palestinians to expand their cities and create concessions that will allow their freedom of movement. "These elements are essential for sustainable peace in the Middle East, and to leave the future Israel as Jewish and democratic," the senators added.
Last week, the White House announced that the basic infrastructure for the normalization agreement had already been laid. White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said "All parties have formulated a basic framework for what we can strive for," noting that the Americans are cautious about explicitly disclosing the details and demands from each side of the agreement.
NEW: 20 US Senators led by @ChrisMurphyCT and @ChrisVanHollen write to President Biden expressing concern over Saudi Arabia's demands for Israel normalization, including a security guarantee from US. pic.twitter.com/S3lXoqKEMn
ā Elizabeth Hagedorn (@ElizHagedorn) October 4, 2023
He added that several common denominators are moving the agreement forward, chief among them being Iran, 'which threatens the United States, Saudi Arabia, and Israel. We can't say that we discussed anything definitive yet.'
However, yesterday, the Biden administration cooled the spirits in the Middle East. "There is no official framework and there are no conditions ready to be signed," said Deputy Spokesman of the American State Department, Vedant Patel, during a press briefing. According to him, "there is still a lot of work, we are continuing the process, and many of the central elements of normalization are on the discussion table."
