Saudi Arabia has backed off its demand to sign a major defense deal with the US. In return for this deal, the Saudis had to restore normal relations with Israel. Now he is pressuring America to sign a small defense military corporation agreement.
According to Reuters, the Gaza war has fueled anger against Israel in the Middle East and Muslim countries. In such a situation, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) does not want to make such a big deal. However, MBS's condition is that he can recognize Israel if it takes concrete steps to create a Palestinian state.
At the same time, according to the report, Netanyahu knows that if he makes any concessions to Hamas, he will face strong opposition at home. In such a situation, both the leaders are busy in the internal politics of their respective countries.
A deal could be struck before Biden leaves the White House,
Western diplomats told Reuters - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is still enthusiastic about normalizing ties with Saudi Arabia. If this happens, it will prove to be a milestone. This will give Israel greater acceptance in the Arab world.
The Saudis and US President Joe Biden hope to sign a small defense military deal before he leaves the White House in January. The agreement includes joint military exercises, defense industry partnerships and promotion of Saudi investment in high technology.
Two-thirds majority in US Senate required for full defense deal
According to the report, any US-Saudi full defense deal must pass with a two-thirds majority in the US Senate. This will not be possible unless the Saudis recognize Israel. The agreement currently being discussed includes joint military exercises to counter threats from Iran. It will promote partnerships between US and Saudi defense companies and strengthen the growing Sino-Saudi partnership.
The MoU will promote Saudi investment in high technology, especially the drone industry. However, in this deal, America will not have the responsibility to protect Saudi from any attack.
The biggest concern about the deal is Donald Trump's return to the White House. Trump has never been a supporter of a separate state of Palestine. However, Arab officials believe that Trump and his son-in-law Jared Kushner have a very good relationship with Mohammed bin Salman, so they may be able to convince him to do so.
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