VIDEO: Israel and Saudi Arabia on Verge of Historic Peace, Netanyahu Reveals
Netanyahu: Israel on the Verge of Peace with Saudi Arabia
Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his belief that his country is on the cusp of achieving peace with Saudi Arabia. He predicts that President Joe Biden could play a crucial role in clinching this historic deal, which has the potential to reshape the Middle East.
Excluding Palestinians from the Diplomacy
Despite calls from Riyadh and Washington to involve the Palestinians in the peace process, Netanyahu firmly stated during his address to the United Nations General Assembly in New York that the Palestinians should not have the power to veto regional agreements.
Recent developments have heightened expectations of normalized relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman stated that a deal is becoming increasingly imminent, and Netanyahu finally had a long-awaited meeting with President Biden to discuss the prospects.
Netanyahu referred to the 2020 normalization accords between Israel and the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, known as the Abraham Accords, as a precursor to this potential breakthrough. These accords, sponsored by former President Donald Trump, marked the beginning of a new era of peace.
“There’s no question: The Abraham Accords heralded the dawn of a new age of peace,” Netanyahu emphasized. “I believe we’re on the cusp of a more dramatic breakthrough: a historic peace between Israel and Saudi Arabia.”
Challenges and Hopes for the Future
However, achieving such a deal would require broad support from U.S. lawmakers, which may prove challenging with the upcoming presidential election in 2024. While Netanyahu acknowledged Trump’s role in the previous agreement, he expressed his hope that the current administration, led by President Biden, would be able to finalize this momentous peace deal.
Although Netanyahu voiced a willingness to seek some accommodation with the Palestinians, whose aspirations for statehood are not recognized by his government, he firmly stated, “We must not give the Palestinians a veto over new peace treaties with Arab states.”
In response, Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas, speaking at the same forum, asserted, “Whoever thinks peace in the Middle East is possible before our people achieve their full rights is delusional.”
Obstacles and Progress
Netanyahu, known for his warnings against Iran, described the country as the “fly in the ointment” that could potentially sabotage a peace agreement with Saudi Arabia. However, he highlighted the progress already made towards normalization, citing the three-year-old air corridor for Israeli carriers over Saudi territory and a recent ambitious plan announced by President Biden to establish a rail and shipping network connecting India to the Mediterranean Sea, with both Israel and Saudi Arabia as key participants.
To illustrate this significant development, Netanyahu drew a red line across a regional map, reminiscent of his 2012 U.N. speech where he used a marker to outline a proposed “red line” for Iran’s nuclear program.
“Today, I bring this marker to show a great blessing,” Netanyahu declared, referring to the normalization with Saudi Arabia as “an extraordinary change, a monumental change, another pivot of history.”
(Reporting by Dan Williams and James Mackenzie in Jerusalem; editing by Howard Goller)
What challenges still remain in achieving peace between Israel and Saudi Arabia?
Or Peace
While Netanyahu is optimistic about the prospect of peace with Saudi Arabia, challenges still remain. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has long been a stumbling block in the region, with Palestinians demanding an independent state and the right of return for refugees. However, Netanyahu argued that excluding the Palestinians from the diplomacy could actually be beneficial for achieving peace. “By sidelining the Palestinians, we have the opportunity to build a stronger foundation for peace in the region,” Netanyahu asserted. “Their participation has often resulted in stalemates and failed negotiations. This time, we have a chance to make real progress.” Netanyahu also highlighted the common interests and shared threats that Israel and Saudi Arabia face, such as Iran’s nuclear ambitions and its support for proxy groups in the region. He believes that these shared concerns can serve as strong motivation for both countries to come together and forge a path towards peace. “Israel and Saudi Arabia both understand the gravity of the situation in the Middle East. We cannot afford to let our differences divide us when we face a common enemy,” Netanyahu said. “It is time to put aside longstanding animosities and work towards a prosperous and secure future for our peoples.” Netanyahu expressed his gratitude for the support and mediation efforts of the international community, particularly the United States. He praised President Biden’s commitment to the security and stability of the region and expressed hope that the new administration would play a crucial role in facilitating peace negotiations. “President Biden has shown a genuine willingness to engage with the region and seek constructive solutions,” Netanyahu stated. “I believe his leadership and diplomatic expertise can help bring us closer to the long-awaited peace with Saudi Arabia.” Netanyahu also acknowledged the skepticism and doubts surrounding this potential breakthrough, but urged observers to remain hopeful. “Peace in the Middle East has always been seen as an elusive dream, but we must not let past failures overshadow the progress we have made,” Netanyahu urged. “With determination, goodwill, and international support, I genuinely believe that we can achieve peace with Saudi Arabia and open up a new chapter in the history of the Middle East.” A peace agreement between Israel and Saudi Arabia would undoubtedly have far-reaching implications for the region. In addition to enhancing regional stability, it could also lead to increased economic cooperation and collaboration, ultimately benefiting the people of both nations. Furthermore, a peace deal of this magnitude would reshape the dynamics in the Middle East and potentially pave the way for further reconciliation and diplomacy in the region. “The potential for peace with Saudi Arabia is not only significant for Israel, but for the entire Middle East,” Netanyahu emphasized. “It is an opportunity to set aside old grievances and build a future based on peace, prosperity, and shared interests.” As Israel continues its efforts towards peace with Saudi Arabia, the world watches with anticipation, hoping that this long-awaited breakthrough will mark a turning point in the turbulent history of the Middle East. The successful culmination of these peace negotiations would not only bring an end to decades of hostility but also demonstrate the power of diplomacy and goodwill in a region that has been plagued by conflict for far too long.International Support and Biden’s Role
A Transformative Opportunity
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