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Obstacles Seen to Saudi-Israel Normalization
(Al-Monitor) Ben Caspit - While U.S.-mediated talks between Israel and Saudi Arabia on normalization are ongoing, a senior U.S. official said Sunday that talks on such a move are in the initial stages. While prospects exist of a breakthrough, they are not high and it is too soon to celebrate. A historic Israeli-Saudi agreement will require concessions. The U.S. will have to provide the Saudis with the items on their shopping list, which include technology for nuclear power reactors, upgraded weapons and a defense alliance. Israel will have to concede to such an upgrade of Saudi military capabilities and make significant concessions toward the Palestinians. A senior Israeli diplomatic source said, "They will not settle for symbolic gestures, only real moves, such as...maybe even freezing settlements, real commitments on [Muslim control of] the Temple Mount, and more." It is not certain that Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu could accept the Saudi demands.