Reuters reports that Saudi Arabia has decided to back off from pursuing an ambitious defense agreement with the United States. Instead, Riyadh is now seeking a more limited military cooperation deal with Washington. A key condition for any agreement was the formal recognition of Israel by Saudi Arabia.
Earlier this year, Saudi Arabia softened its stance on the formation of a Palestinian state to reach a broader security pact with the U.S. Riyadh indicated to Washington that a public commitment from Israel to a two-state solution could be sufficient for normalizing relations with the Kingdom.
Amid growing public anger in Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East over Israel’s military actions in Gaza, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman conditioned recognition of Israel on actions that would lead to the establishment of a Palestinian state.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is eager to secure normalization of relations with Saudi Arabia, seeing it as a historic achievement and a sign of broader acceptance in the Arab world. However, Riyadh’s recognition remains tied to the creation of a Palestinian state.
Despite setbacks, Riyadh and Washington are hopeful that before U.S. President Joe Biden leaves office in January, a more limited defense agreement can be finalized.
The deal would focus on investment in advanced technologies, especially in drone defense, and increased U.S. military presence in Saudi Arabia for training and cybersecurity support.
Sources indicate that the new agreement would not include a mutual defense commitment, meaning U.S. forces would not be obligated to protect Saudi Arabia in the event of an external attack. The agreement would primarily involve joint military exercises and cooperation to counter regional threats, particularly from Iran.
The agreement would also enhance defense collaboration between U.S. and Saudi defense companies, with measures to prevent collaboration with China, a growing concern in Washington. This would ensure that U.S. defense technology remains exclusive to its allies.
A Saudi official revealed that the proposed security agreement was 95% complete, but Riyadh decided to explore an alternative deal. The Kingdom’s decision reflects the realization that a full defense pact with Washington cannot be reached without normalizing relations with Israel.
While no official statements have been made by the governments of the U.S. or Saudi Arabia, discussions are ongoing. The U.S. is reportedly continuing multiple rounds of talks with Riyadh, exploring different avenues for collaboration in light of the complexities surrounding Israel.
The shifting dynamics between Saudi Arabia, Israel, and the U.S. signal a critical moment for Middle Eastern geopolitics. While Saudi Arabia seeks to balance its regional alliances and domestic pressures, the pursuit of a limited defense pact with Washington reflects its ongoing desire to enhance security while keeping the door open for future normalization with Israel.
The path forward will depend on how the key players navigate the complex geopolitical and diplomatic landscapes.
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