US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is acknowledging that Israel might reject a normalization deal with Saudi Arabia if it includes clear progress toward a Palestinian state. Blinken, in his testimony before Congress Tuesday, mentioned that the Saudis demand a ceasefire in Gaza and a pathway to a Palestinian state, which Israel may not be willing to pursue. He emphasized that Israel must decide whether to seize this opportunity for normalization.
During his testimony, Blinken faced criticism from both Republicans and Democrats regarding the administration’s Israel policy. Protesters interrupted the session, accusing Blinken of being complicit in the violence in Gaza.
US Ambassador to Israel Jack Lew highlighted that any formal Israeli-Saudi relations would require a period of calm in Gaza and discussions about the future of Palestinian governance. Lew believes that the strategic benefits of such a dialogue are worth the risks, but the decision ultimately lies with the Israeli government.
The US describes a bilateral defense pact with Saudi Arabia as “near-final,” which would be part of a broader deal requiring Israeli concessions toward a Palestinian state. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has historically supported closer ties with Saudi Arabia, but the ongoing conflict with Hamas complicates this process. President Isaac Herzog emphasized the importance of considering normalization with Saudi Arabia to counter Iran-backed Hamas, despite the need to address Israel’s security concerns first.
