Saudi Arabia abandons pursuit of defense pact with US

(CLO) According to Reuters sources, Saudi Arabia has abandoned efforts to reach a comprehensive defense pact with the United States and normalize relations with Israel. Riyadh will instead push for a more limited military cooperation agreement.

Saudi Arabia has previously downplayed its demand for recognition of a Palestinian state, arguing that a public commitment from Israel to a two-state solution could be enough to move toward normalization between the two countries.

However, Israel's recent military actions in Gaza have fueled regional discontent, prompting Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to insist that recognition of Israel must be accompanied by concrete steps toward the establishment of a Palestinian state.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken meets with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, October 23, 2024. Photo: REUTERS/Nathan Howard

Although Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is keen to reach a normalization deal with Saudi Arabia, he faces strong domestic opposition. The Israeli government is unlikely to make concessions on the Palestinian issue due to pressure from his ruling coalition.

Instead of a comprehensive defense pact, Saudi Arabia and the United States are considering a smaller military agreement that could include: Expanded joint military exercises to address regional threats; Defense industry cooperation between companies from both countries; Investment in advanced defense technology, especially AUV defense; U.S. support for training, logistics, cybersecurity, and the deployment of Patriot missile systems to enhance missile defense.

However, the agreement is not a binding defense treaty, like the one between the US and Japan or South Korea.

The prospects for a deal depend on the political landscape in the US. While President Joe Biden’s administration hopes to reach a deal before he leaves office in January 2025, Donald Trump’s return to the White House could change the landscape.

Trump could encourage Saudi Arabia to support his “Century Plan,” which has been widely criticized for denying Palestinians the right to self-determination. Experts say Trump will seize every opportunity to secure this historic deal.

Saudi Arabia continues to insist that the establishment of a Palestinian state, with East Jerusalem as its capital, is a prerequisite for achieving lasting peace and stability in the Middle East region.

Cao Phong (according to Reuters, CNN)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/a-rap-xe-ut-co-the-tu-bo-viec-theo-duoi-hiep-uoc-quoc-phong-voi-my-post323572.html