🇸🇦“Normalization” OFF THE TABLE
Saudi Arabia Shifts Strategy Amid “Israeli” Stubbornness🚨

The Guardian |

Saudi Arabia is pushing for a 'Plan B' in negotiations with the US, sidelining Israel due to its refusal to cease hostilities in Gaza and its resistance to a Palestinian state.

Riyadh's new approach seeks a bilateral defense pact and advancements in nuclear energy and AI technology with the US, bypassing the increasingly intractable Israeli government.

Key Points:
• Saudi Arabia proposes independent US deals, no longer conditional on Israeli cooperation.

• US-Saudi discussions aim for technological and defense gains without Israeli normalisation.

• Saudi stance emerges amidst Netanyahu's firm opposition to a two-state solution and ongoing attacks on Rafah.

• US Secretary of State Blinken links progress to calm in Gaza and a credible path to Palestinian statehood, yet Israeli commitment wanes.

Quotes:
"There should be room for a less-for-less model, so the relationship with the US need not be held hostage to the whims of Israeli politics or Benjamin Netanyahu," says Firas Maksad of the Middle East Institute.

This pivot underscores growing frustrations with Israeli policies and aims to secure strategic gains for Saudi Arabia while preserving the prospects for Palestinian statehood.

The evolving dynamics signal a significant shift in Middle East policy alignments, prioritizing regional stability and strategic partnerships over the faltering Israeli-Palestinian peace process.

[K.P.]

An American official Admits “Israel” did not Want Hamas to Accept the Deal

The official told Reuters, asking not to be identified because of the sensitivity of the matter.

An American official, who is familiar with the details of the agreement, criticized Israel and said that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the members of the War Cabinet did not conduct the latest round of talks with Hamas "in good faith". (Reuters)

[K.P.]