(Al-Monitor) Ben Caspit - Israel is cautiously optimistic about rapprochement with Saudi Arabia. Netanyahu aides believe an agreement with Saudi Arabia would change the face of the Middle East, removing the final obstacles to Israel's full integration into the region. "The key to an Israeli-Saudi agreement lies in Washington, and contrary to what people presume, it is on President Biden's desk and not buried deep in a side drawer," said an Israeli diplomatic source. "The Americans fully understand that such an achievement would greatly improve the president's standing....It will also be perceived as a countermeasure to China's rapid expansion in the region." A senior Israeli political source explained, "The Saudis are demanding real input from the United States. They are willing to take the plunge, but only if it is very worthwhile for them."
2023-05-18 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive