The possibility of a normalization agreement between Israel and Saudi Arabia came up during Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's meeting with the American National Security Advisor, Jake Sullivan. The Prime Minister's Office announced at the end of the meeting Thursday afternoon that the two discussed a joint effort to stop the Iranian nuclear program and Iran's activities in the region, and that Netanyahu thanked Sullivan for President Biden's commitment to stopping Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
The confrontation with Iran and the addition of Saudi Arabia to the Abraham Accords are two of the main goals that Netanyahu has placed on the agenda since the formation of the government. Nevertheless, there is a lack of agreement with the US regarding, among other things, how to act against Iran.
"We believe that normalization with Israel 🇮🇱 is something that is very much in the interest of the region... the priority needs to be bringing the Israelis and Palestinians to the negotiating table." - Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud @FaisalbinFarhan pic.twitter.com/WSjQ1EqYWg
— Avi Kaner ابراهيم אבי (@AviKaner) January 20, 2023
"We see you as loyal partners in matters of common security, and of course the promotion of peace," Netanyahu told Sullivan. The Prime Minister's Office stated that "the two congratulated the importance of the strategic relations between Israel and the US and the need to deepen them. They also discussed the next steps to deepen the Abraham Accords and expand the circle of peace, with an emphasis on a breakthrough with Saudi Arabia."
"We see you as loyal partners in matters of common security, and of course the promotion of peace," Netanyahu told Sullivan. The Prime Minister's Office stated that "the two congratulated the importance of the strategic relations between Israel and the US and the need to deepen them. They also discussed the next steps to deepen the Abraham Accords and expand the circle of peace, with an emphasis on a breakthrough with Saudi Arabia."
🇮🇱 — EARLIER: In a meeting today, Israeli PM Netanyahu and White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan discussed promoting normalization between Israel and Saudi Arabia, the government’s judicial reform and other regional security issues. pic.twitter.com/ho2HlX2DvP
— Belaaz News (@TheBelaaz) January 19, 2023
After that there was a virtual meeting of Tzachi Hanegbi and Sullivan with their counterparts; The national security advisers of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Tahnoon Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and of Bahrain, Sheikh Nasser Bin Hamad Al Khalifa. The four declared their commitment to deepening the Abraham Accords and discussed practical steps to promote common interests in the region.
Last night Sullivan met with the country's president Issac Herzog. At the end of the meeting, the American diplomat told Herzog that US President Biden "fondly remembers your visit to the Oval Office and looks forward to welcoming you again soon and also to returning to Israel after his very successful visit here last year."
A joint Israeli American strategy against Iran and a possible normalization deal between Saudi Arabia and the Jewish state were among the top agenda items that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed with US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan. https://t.co/z4e11HzQLl
— Christians United for Israel (@CUFI) January 20, 2023
It is worth noting that despite the Biden Administration’s hopes of acting as a mediator in a possible future agreement between the Saudis and Israelis, Biden has personally been successful in restoring his relations with the Muslim kingdom, during his visit this past summer.
