Haaretz: Progress Reported in Normalization Talks with Saudi Arabia

Israel and Saudi Arabia have reportedly achieved a breakthrough in normalization talks, according to the Hebrew newspaper Haaretz. However, a Western diplomatic source familiar with the matter denied to Sunna Files Web that any significant progress has been made in normalization discussions.

Sources involved in the negotiations told the newspaper that instead of Saudi Arabia’s previous demand for explicit Israeli recognition of a Palestinian state, the two sides have agreed on Israel providing a vague commitment to a “pathway toward a Palestinian state.” This phrasing would allow Saudi Arabia to honor its pledge not to abandon the Palestinian cause.

A Western diplomatic source, speaking anonymously to Sunna Files Web, refuted the claims of a breakthrough in normalization talks, describing the reports as politically motivated. The source emphasized that Saudi Arabia remains steadfast in its condition of an independent Palestinian state as a prerequisite for normalizing relations with Israel.

Recent Developments in the Talks

According to Haaretz, Israel and Saudi Arabia have recently held discussions on normalizing ties and ending the war in Gaza. These discussions reportedly accelerated after a ceasefire agreement with Lebanon.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been leading the negotiations through Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, while the Israeli government and its security cabinet have largely remained uninvolved.

The United States has been mediating and guaranteeing the negotiations, with Israel coordinating with both the Biden administration and President-elect Donald Trump. The incoming Trump administration is expected to offer concessions, including a U.S.-Saudi defense pact and the sale of advanced American weapons systems to Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia’s Position

Saudi Arabia has long reiterated its demand for a Palestinian state in exchange for normalization. Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud recently announced the formation of a coalition of Arab countries and international organizations to advance this objective.

However, sources close to Netanyahu suggest that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman does not have a personal interest in formally recognizing a Palestinian state. Instead, he views progress on the Palestinian issue as a means to secure domestic political and religious support for normalization.

Netanyahu reportedly believes that his political base would accept the vague “pathway toward a Palestinian state” phrasing, as it does not involve concrete commitments.

The Potential Deal

Normalization of relations could pave the way for a broader agreement to end the war, facilitate prisoner exchanges, and enable reconstruction efforts in Gaza. Saudi Arabia has shown a strong commitment to assisting Palestinians in Gaza, which has been nearly destroyed, while Israel has a vested interest in engaging moderate Arab nations in Gaza’s reconstruction and ensuring the flow of Saudi funds into the region.

Reports indicate that the deal would be implemented in two phases. The first phase includes the release of female detainees, elderly prisoners, and those with serious medical conditions in exchange for Israel releasing hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.

Additionally, fighting in Gaza would halt indefinitely, with Israel gradually withdrawing. However, the details and timeline for this withdrawal remain unclear. During this period, the second phase of the agreement—formal normalization between Israel and Saudi Arabia—would be finalized.

Reconstruction Efforts and Regional Collaboration

Under the proposed agreement, Saudi Arabia, along with a coalition of states that includes the Palestinian Authority, would lead reconstruction efforts in Gaza while ensuring Israel’s security along its southern border.

The deal could mark a significant shift in the region, balancing Saudi Arabia’s commitment to the Palestinian cause with its interest in fostering closer ties with Israel. However, it remains uncertain how the Palestinian leadership and broader public opinion would respond to such an agreement, given the lack of concrete guarantees for an independent Palestinian state.