Report: Israel-Saudi Normalization Hinges on Israeli Concessions for Palestinians

If the prospect of an Israel-Saudi Arabia accord is to materialize, it will require substantial compromises from Israel that address Palestinian concerns. During his recent visit to Washington, Secretary of State Antony Blinken conveyed this message to Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer.

The Axios news platform reported insights from four current and former U.S. administration officials. They revealed that White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed with Dermer the necessity for Israel to make concessions to the Palestinians as part of any agreement normalizing relations with Saudi Arabia.

A reliable source close to the matter informed Axios that Sullivan also indicated President Joe Biden’s aim to garner wide-ranging support from congressional Democrats for a comprehensive agreement with Saudi Arabia. To accomplish this, Sullivan stressed that tangible steps by Israel to address Palestinian concerns were indispensable. In this regard, Blinken cautioned Dermer against any “misinterpretation” on the part of the Israeli government.

Sources cited by Axios disclosed that Dermer exhibited limited willingness on behalf of the Israeli government to make the necessary concessions for an accord with Saudi Arabia. Consequently, Blinken emphasized that Saudi Arabia must demonstrate to the Arab and Muslim world that Israel has taken substantial measures concerning the Palestinian issue as a quid pro quo for a normalization agreement.

Given the stance of the current uncompromising Israeli government, resistance to such concessions is expected. However, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu considers the normalization of relations with Riyadh a paramount foreign policy objective.

Dermer’s recent visit to Washington involved discussions with senior Biden administration officials about the potential Saudi agreement and Israel’s outstanding commitments to bolster the Palestinian Authority.