The Role of Bin Salman and Netanyahu in Ending the War in Gaza

The assassination of the head of Hamas’ political bureau, Yahya Sinwar, continues to cast a shadow over the current situation. Despite claims by the occupation and its allies that his death opens the possibility of ending the war in Gaza and negotiating the return of prisoners, Hamas has affirmed that the martyrdom of its leader does not change the terms of negotiations. The movement remains steadfast in following his path.

In an article published by The New York Times, journalist Thomas Friedman stated that it is impossible to overstate the significance of the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar for Israel. However, he emphasized that it would not be sufficient on its own to end the ongoing war in Gaza or to set Israelis and Palestinians on a path to sustainable peace.

Friedman further added that the essential condition is for there to be an Israeli leader and a coalition government willing to seize this opportunity. The question now is: Can Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu move beyond his previous political tactics and take a bold step toward a new future? This step, according to Friedman, would involve Israel cooperating with a reformed Palestinian Authority from the West Bank and engaging international peacekeeping forces to replace Hamas in Gaza.

The journalist posed the question: The ball is in Netanyahu’s court—will he seize this opportunity to become a leader who shapes history, or will he continue with his hesitant political maneuvers? Netanyahu has long aspired to be seen as a historical figure, but this is a moment that requires great risk and unprecedented steps.

Over the past month, according to American, Arab, and Israeli diplomatic sources, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, under the directives of President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, along with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, and UAE Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed, have been discussing ways to rebuild Gaza once the war ends.

The primary goal, as noted, is to open the door to normalizing relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel, paving the way for a renewed attempt at negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians concerning the future of Gaza and the West Bank.

The proposal suggests that Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas appoint an economist, such as former Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad, or another figure to lead a new technocratic government. This government would aim to reform the Palestinian Authority, according to the writer.

Friedman advocated for marginalizing Hamas in Gaza after years of its control, thereby opening the door for rebuilding the destroyed infrastructure and improving the living conditions of Palestinians.

He asserted that normalizing relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel requires progress, as Bin Salman understands that normalizing ties with Israel, following the killing of many Palestinians in Gaza, demands tangible steps toward resolving the Palestinian issue, particularly the establishment of an independent state.

The article highlighted that Mohammed bin Salman seeks to be the first Arab leader to obtain from Israel something no one before him has achieved: diplomatic relations with the Israeli state. In return, he would offer Israel what no other leader has given—a relationship with the country that is home to Islam’s two holiest sites. Bin Salman is also seen as a key figure in convincing Abbas to appoint a Palestinian reformist like Salam Fayyad, who enjoys great respect from Abbas.

Friedman concluded by emphasizing that this moment is not just about Netanyahu but also about Mohammed bin Salman. If the Saudi Crown Prince desires a security pact with the United States, he must initiate normalization before the end of Biden’s term. While achieving this will require concrete steps towards the establishment of a Palestinian state, this diplomatic initiative could be the last hope for ending the conflict and bringing peace to the Middle East.