An intriguing Israeli link between normalization with Saudi Arabia and a ceasefire agreement in Gaza

As American efforts continue to pursue a regional normalization agreement between Saudi Arabia and the occupying state, concerns are rising among circles that the time window for the Israeli government to extricate itself from the current predicament is closing. Despite claims that the price for this normalization is not easy, especially politically, change is necessary. Israeli decision-makers must make decisions that will remove Israelis from this dire situation they find themselves in; otherwise, they will move from one predicament to another indefinitely.

General Amos Yadlin, former head of military intelligence and founder of the “Israel Mind” organization, urgently appealed to the Israeli leadership. He stated that the recent visit by US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan to the occupying state clearly indicated that they are racing towards a strategic “T” intersection. The opportunity is available to determine which direction to take. With Washington quickly approaching its elections, decision-makers must act and make strategic decisions instead of continuing to delay and avoid fundamental decisions. They must take a historical strategic step forward.

Yadlin added in an article published by Channel 12 and translated by “Sunna Files Website” that the decision lies in approving a deal with Hamas and concluding normalization agreements with Saudi Arabia and other Islamic countries. This would allow for legitimizing the “Jewish” state’s presence in the heart of the Middle East and maintaining regional and international support to combat Hamas’s strengthening and revival. It would also help dry up its sources of income and design a solid alliance against Iran, achievements worthy of attention and preferable to exposing the security of the occupation to risk.

He pointed out that as a top priority, the coming weeks may be the last chance to recover the captives instead of letting them die in Gaza tunnels. The tragedy must not become permanent and continue for years. Since the occupying state was fundamentally established to allow Jews to live securely, it has failed in this mission. We are obliged to make a long and arduous journey to bring them back, with the security apparatus being confident in dealing with the results of the deal with Hamas. However, as long as they remain captive, a heavy shadow will accompany Israeli society, hindering its ability to overcome collective shock, regain cohesion, and national resilience.

He explained that the hostage deal is not just a high ethical necessity for the state towards its citizens; it is also the most important political action expected to save the occupying state from the predicament. It opens the door to subsequent political movements, including normalization, and saves it from the spiral of escalation on the northern borders. It will be necessary to recognize the two-state solution in principle because it is the key to enhancing normalization. In fact, there is no security possibility to achieve both goals simultaneously.

This strange connection between normalization with Saudi Arabia and completing a deal with Hamas reveals Israeli fear of continued deterioration of the occupation’s security, its implications for its economy and foreign relations, and the damage to its alliance with the United States, which has become more important than ever. In addition to forging more regional and international alliances against the hostile axis in the region, this necessitates Israeli leadership, according to this call above, to make decisions about the exchange deal, even if the costs are painful. If leaders cannot demonstrate leadership or make decisions that serve the state’s interests, they should hang up the keys and disappear from public life, according to the Israeli formula.