clear

Creating new perspectives since 2009

Jewish-American delegation discuss normalisation with Israel in Saudi

November 6, 2021 at 10:45 am

Palestinians protest in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip against Israel’s normalisation deals with Arab countries on 15 September 2020 [SAID KHATIB/AFP via Getty Images]

A Jewish-American delegation has discussed normalisation of ties with senior Saudi officials in Riyadh, Israeli mass media revealed on Thursday.

The delegation, which was invited by the kingdom, consisted of some 20 Jewish-American leaders. They met with Saudi officials, including at least six government ministers and senior representatives of the Saudi royal house, Ynet News reported.

Meanwhile, the delegation’s visit to Saudi Arabia, which followed a visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Ynet News revealed, came with the blessing of the Joe Biden administration. The delegation’s visit aimed to discuss Saudi Arabia joining the Abraham Accords.

“The Saudis are preparing their citizens for normalisation with Israel,” shared member of the delegation, businessperson Phil Rosen.

Saudi Arabia: Palestinian state is precondition for normalisation with Israel

Rosen added: “They see Israel as a regional power and admire its ability defend itself against Iran, a common foe. I would not be surprised if we see normalisation between Saudi Arabi and Israel in the coming months or year.”

Rosen indicated that Riyadh has been holding covert talks with Washington about joining the Abraham Accords and that without the kingdom’s blessings, the UAE and Bahrain would not have signed the agreement.

He added: “In my opinion, the Saudi’s will not condition normalisations on peace with the Palestinians. They are waiting for the right moment. I met young Saudis officials and asked them what do you dream about? Their answer stunned me – they said their dream is to visit the beaches of Tel Aviv.”