Is Normalization With Saudi Arabia on the Horizon? Dermer Drops Hints

By Yoni Weiss

YERUSHALAYIM – In recent weeks, reports and discussions surrounding a normalization agreement between Israel and Saudi Arabia have gained momentum. Statements from Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Eli Cohen further affirm that significant steps are being taken toward this potential agreement.

During this period, the minister of strategic affairs and Netanyahu’s confidant, Ron Dermer, has been in Washington several times. Last Thursday, he met with Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Among the topics they discussed, the normalization of relations with Saudi Arabia stands out. In an interview with American network PBS on Friday, Dermer refrained from stating that Israel would oppose the establishment of civilian nuclear reactors in Saudi Arabia.

The host, Nick Schifrin, pointed out that as part of the agreement, Saudi Arabia would possess the ability to engage in civilian nuclear activities, including uranium enrichment. He then questioned whether Israel supported this provision.

Dermer responded evasively, stating, “Like many things, the devil is in the details, and we’ll have to look at what is agreed upon in the end. And you’re right,” he acknowledged, “Saudi Arabia has put it in their demands, a civilian nuclear program. They can go to China or France tomorrow and ask them to set up a civilian nuclear program for them, which includes uranium enrichment. They can do it tomorrow if they want.”

Dermer added, “The question I asked myself is, if the U.S. is involved in this, what does that mean 10 years from now, or 20 or 30 years from now, and what is the alternative?”

Schifrin pressed Dermer, saying, “But that sounds like you’re not against it, and that’s not necessarily the policy of the Israeli government in the past two decades. There’s a long tradition opposing nuclear expansion in the region. It was known as the ‘Begin Doctrine,’ named after former Prime Minister Menachem Begin. He detonated a nuclear reactor in Iraq to prove his point. Does Israel believe that the Begin Doctrine is no longer applicable?”

Dermer responded, “No, the Begin Doctrine is still in effect. There are states in the region that can have civilian nuclear capabilities, and that’s a different story from a nuclear weapons program.”

Schifrin persisted, quoting former Head of the National Security Council Meir Ben-Shabbat: “The former security adviser of Netanyahu said, ‘Saudi Arabia joining the nuclear club will lead to nuclear proliferation in the region. Other states will strive to acquire uranium enrichment capabilities in their territory.’ So, what does Israel want in exchange for Saudi nuclear capabilities?”

Dermer evaded the question and replied, “We are not going to agree to any nuclear weapons program that any of our neighbors have. And the question is, when it comes to the details of the agreement, what are our means of defense? And what happens if the Saudis take a different route, like aligning with the Chinese or someone else? We need to consider all these aspects.”

Dermer concluded, “Let us not underestimate the potential impact of an Israeli-Saudi peace agreement on the region and the world. I think that if we achieve Israeli-Saudi peace, there will be several more Arab and Muslim countries that will follow in the footsteps of Saudi Arabia.”