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Source: https://www.israelhayom.com/opinions/security-guarantees-in-the-face-of-arab-normalization/
The Strengthening of U.S.-Saudi Relations Must Not Come at the Expense of Israel
(Israel Hayom) Amb. Freddy Eytan - The strengthening of bilateral relations between Saudi Arabia and the U.S. must not come at the expense of the State of Israel. The signing of numerous modern arms contracts with the Saudis and the Arab demand for the establishment of a Palestinian state before any normalization risks weakening Israel and jeopardizing its vital security interests. Of course, we welcome President Trump's considerable efforts to end hostilities in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria to finally achieve a lasting peace in the region, but we regret that commercial contracts are taking precedence over diplomatic, strategic, and military matters. While the Middle East remains unstable and Arab regimes remain fragile, a militarily strong and economically powerful Jewish state is in the interest of the U.S. and a guarantee for Europe, particularly in the fight against Islamist terrorism. In this context, Israel should sign a new memorandum of understanding with Washington. Following the terrible massacre of Oct. 7, 2023, this document must include: No withdrawal of Israel to the 1949 armistice lines. No IDF withdrawal from the Golan Heights and the Jordan Valley. Jerusalem is the sole capital of the Jewish state. Secure and defensible borders on all fronts before any negotiations for the possible creation of a Palestinian state. Allow the IDF to have a free hand to act in the face of every imminent danger. Counter any attempt by Iran to acquire nuclear weapons and ballistic and cruise missiles, to rearm Hizbullah, Hamas, and the Houthis, and to sabotage the normalization process with Saudi Arabia. American inspectors should be tasked with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to monitor the possible construction of a nuclear power plant in Riyadh and to ensure nuclear non-proliferation in other Arab-Muslim countries. The purpose is to strengthen Israel's alliance with the Americans while preserving our independence and sovereignty, and to refrain from automatically agreeing to any American initiative or decision for fear of losing the support of the president. The writer, a researcher at the Jerusalem Center for Security and Foreign Affairs, is a former Foreign Ministry senior adviser who was Israel's first ambassador to the Islamic Republic of Mauritania.