USA: Normalization of Relations Between Israel and Saudi Arabia Requires Calm in Gaza and Negotiations for Palestinian Governance

Jack Lew, the U.S. ambassador to Israel, said on Tuesday, May 21, that establishing formal diplomatic relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia, which would be part of a new trilateral agreement among Riyadh, Washington, and Jerusalem, is contingent upon calm in Gaza and discussions regarding the prospect of forming a Palestinian government. According to Reuters, Jack Lew stated, "In my opinion, there should be a period of silence in Gaza, and discussions should be held on how to approach the issue of forming a Palestinian government in the future." Speaking at a conference hosted by the 'Israel Democracy Institute,' he mentioned that 'strategic interests' justify the 'risk' of entering discussions on these matters and added, 'But this is a decision that the Israeli government must make and [a decision that] the people of Israel must make.' The United States stated on Monday, May 20, that a bilateral defense pact with Saudi Arabia is 'close to finalization.' Once finalized, this pact will be part of a broader agreement presented to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to decide whether he is willing to make concessions for normalizing relations with Riyadh. Netanyahu has long been an advocate for offering a 'reward' of the U.S.-Saudi defense pact to Riyadh in exchange for normalizing relations with Jerusalem. However, after seven months of war with Hamas militants in Gaza, which Israel has vowed to eradicate, a ceasefire appears elusive. In this context, the Israeli Prime Minister claims that discussions about Palestinian governance in Gaza in the post-Hamas era are still premature. According to the report, Isaac Herzog, the President of Israel, whose role is largely ceremonial, separately argued at the 'Israel Democracy Institute' that bilateral relations with Saudi Arabia would represent a defeat for Hamas, which is supported by the Islamic Republic. Israel seized Associated Press equipment citing 'violation of law.' Criticism from the Israeli representative regarding the Security Council's tribute to the death of Raisi; Eradan: A minute of silence for the death of Hitler?