U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken believes that a normalization agreement between Israel and Saudi Arabia remains feasible before the end of U.S. President Joe Biden’s term. During a press conference in Haiti on Thursday, Blinken pointed out that any agreement would first require a ceasefire in Gaza and Israeli consent to a “credible path towards the establishment of a Palestinian state,” a stipulation firmly insisted upon by Saudi Arabia and starkly rejected by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Blinken noted, “There will be a lot of work to be done on this matter,” adding that both Israel and Saudi Arabia have expressed interest in such an agreement. He believes that if a ceasefire in Gaza can be achieved, there remains a possibility to advance normalization within this administration’s tenure.
Blinken confirmed that about 90% of a ceasefire agreement in Gaza has been agreed upon, but critical issues remain unresolved, including the so-called Philadelphia Corridor on the southern edge of the Gaza Strip at the border with Egypt. He mentioned that Washington would present more ideas at the negotiation table in the coming days.
Blinken anticipates communicating these ideas to Israel and having them relayed to Hamas by Qatar and Egypt, focusing on how to resolve the situation. He emphasized the ongoing exchanges between Israel and Hamas, with accusations from both sides of obstructing a truce agreement eleven months after the war began. Amidst this, Netanyahu faces increasing domestic pressure to secure a deal that would also prevent Iran from rearming Gaza.
However, Netanyahu denied any imminent agreement in a statement to Fox News, stating, “Unfortunately, we are not close to an agreement, but we will do everything to push them to accept a deal that also prevents Iran from rearming Gaza.” Contrary to Netanyahu’s remarks, National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby expressed optimism, noting that “90% of the agreement is nearly complete. I believe we are close to it,” adding that the agreement on the framework is set, with current discussions focused on implementing details, particularly regarding prisoner exchanges.
