Saudi Arabia’s de facto leader, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, also spoke with Iran’s president this week, signaling a retreat from the Biden administration’s efforts to isolate Iran.
Several Americans were killed by Hamas attackers, a White House National Security Council spokesperson confirmed, saying the US would continue to monitor the situation closely.
"It wouldn't be a surprise" if the attack was in part meant to sabotage a Saudi deal, said Antony Blinken, US Secretary of State.
Prime Minister Netanyahu played down the importance of the Palestinian issue for the Saudis, as have other senior Israeli officials.
BEHIND THE LINES: The supposed “progressives” in the Biden administration are the ones who are cleaving to older ideas, while the “conservatives” in Riyadh are looking to move beyond them.
The Jordanian monarch emphasized the need for a two-state solution and questioned the motives behind brewing Saudi-Israeli peace.
For Israel, normalization with Saudi Arabia has enormous implications for normalizing Israel’s relationship with Muslim-majority countries in the region and internationally.
Until Tuesday, all eyes had been focused on how political instability in Israel could prevent an agreement.
Among the suggestions is that the deal include provisions to preserve a two-state solution.
Spokespeople for the White House have denied the possibility of any secret visit to discuss Saudi-Israel normalization.
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