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Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen announced on Thursday that the normalization deal between Israel and Saudi Arabia could be finalized by early 2024. Cohen's comments come in the wake of a series of positive remarks from key figures in both countries, indicating progress in complex negotiations.
On Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud separately expressed optimism about the ongoing negotiations. Netanyahu, during his visit to the UN General Assembly, claimed that a normalization deal is "within reach." Similarly, the Saudi Crown Prince told Fox News, "Every day we get closer (to a deal)," though he emphasized that the welfare of Palestinians remains a significant issue.
The potential normalization between Israel and Saudi Arabia would significantly reshape the Middle East geopolitical landscape. It would formally align two major US partners against Iran, providing a foreign-policy boost for President Joe Biden as he seeks reelection in late 2024.
However, several obstacles need to be addressed before a deal can be reached. These include Saudi Arabia's desire for a civilian nuclear program and progress on resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Despite these hurdles, Cohen expressed confidence in the negotiations, stating to Israel's Army Radio that "the gaps can be bridged."
Israel currently has official ties with only a few Arab countries, including Egypt and Jordan. In 2020, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, and Morocco agreed to normalize their ties with Israel. The potential inclusion of Saudi Arabia follows years of speculation about such a move.
The potential normalization has sparked controversy within the Arab world. Many Palestinians and members of the Arab public criticized nations like UAE, Morocco, and Bahrain for establishing diplomatic ties with Israel in 2020 while it continued to occupy the West Bank and besiege the Gaza Strip.
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