Report: Efforts for Saudi-Israel Normalization Continue

By Yoni Weiss

Yisrael Hayom reported Friday that Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer’s upcoming trip to Washington will be for discussions not only on the planned IDF anti-terrorism campaign in Rafah but also on ongoing efforts to normalize ties between Israel and Saudi Arabia.

Dermer is slated to meet with Saudi Ambassador to Washington Reema bint Bandar Al Saud to deliberate on the U.S.-led agreement. Although scheduled for next week, the trip might face postponement, a claim denied by Dermer’s office.

Meanwhile, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan deferred a planned trip to Riyadh last week due to rib injuries. This visit was crucial for finalizing the details of the accord between the US and Saudi Arabia, with the meeting expected to be rescheduled once Sullivan recuperates.

A political source informed Yisrael Hayom that there’s a window of opportunity until May to solidify the historic agreement. While there are fundamental agreements among the leaders of the three countries, significant obstacles persist.

Israel is adamant about retaining its freedom of action across the Gaza Strip instead of committing to halt its anti-terrorism operation, akin to its stance in Yehudah and Shomron. Additionally, Israel rejects any obligation to establish a Palestinian state in the future and emphasizes opposition to nuclear program development on Saudi soil.

Meanwhile, the New York Times reported on Thursday night that former President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump recently conversed with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The content of their discussion remains unclear, and it’s uncertain if this marks their first exchange since Trump’s departure from office in 2021.