Democratic Senators Set Conditions for Supporting Israel-Saudi Peace Agreement

Twenty Democratic senators in the U.S. Congress outlined conditions in a letter to President Joe Biden for supporting his efforts to establish a peace agreement between Israel and Saudi Arabia. According to The Hill, the letter, led by Senator Chris Murphy of Vermont, emphasizes the importance of maintaining a two-state solution in Israeli-Palestinian relations and urges Israel to refrain from annexing the West Bank, settlement expansion, and the establishment of illegal outposts. Additionally, the senators expressed concerns about potential U.S. military commitments to Saudi Arabia, particularly regarding allegations of war crimes in Yemen. They called for adherence to nuclear non-proliferation standards in any agreement, expressing worries about Saudi Arabia's 'civilian nuclear program.' The senators also stated that they expect the Senate to vote on certain provisions of the defense agreement between the U.S., Israel, and Saudi Arabia. They criticized Saudi Arabia as a 'dictatorial regime that regularly undermines U.S. interests in the region, has a deeply troubling human rights record, and pursues an aggressive and reckless foreign policy.' This letter comes as negotiations between the U.S., Israel, and Saudi Arabia to establish a peace agreement between the two countries have accelerated. Earlier, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that the Biden administration expects progress on several issues of U.S. concern in any agreement. Blinken emphasized that the Saudi-Israeli pact would bring greater stability to the Middle East and added that the recognition of the Israeli government by 'the custodian of the holiest sanctities of Islam' would resonate throughout the region.