Donald Trump has recently been pressing Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) to move toward normalizing relations with Israel following the end of the Gaza war. Reports indicate that Trump, in a phone call with MBS last month, emphasized his expectations for Saudi Arabia to take actionable steps toward normalization, especially as the current administration views this as a key diplomatic objective. The push comes ahead of a planned meeting between Trump and the Saudi crown prince at the White House, with U.S. officials hoping for visible progress on the initiative.
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Trump’s Approach to Saudi-Israel Normalization
Trump is leveraging his role as the architect of the Abraham Accords to encourage Saudi Arabia’s participation, reiterating that he wants the kingdom to join the list of Arab states normalizing relations with Israel. This pressure campaign has gained public attention as the White House strategically released information about his recent conversation with MBS, signaling the seriousness of Trump’s intent and the administration’s desire to keep the focus on Saudi progress in this area.
Conditions and Obstacles
The Saudis have indicated that their agreement to normalize relations is contingent upon Israel making progress toward establishing a Palestinian state with a clear timeline, a demand that Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has not yet accepted. This remains a significant point of contention. While Trump is optimistic about sealing a deal and sees Saudi participation as a potential gateway for further Arab and Muslim nations to follow, substantial gaps remain between the Saudi and Israeli positions, and the process is expected to be complex and lengthy.
Recent Developments and Diplomatic Activity
The recent end of major hostilities in Gaza has renewed U.S. efforts to bring Saudi Arabia into the Abraham Accords network, with Trump and senior officials touting normalization as a way to transform regional dynamics. The kingdom, however, remains cautious and is weighing its national interests, security assurances, and its leadership role among Arab states regarding the Palestinian cause. Direct contacts and behind-the-scenes discussions continue, and both sides acknowledge that more talks are needed before tangible steps are taken.
In summary, Trump is actively pressuring Saudi Arabia to normalize relations with Israel, tying the timing to the aftermath of the Gaza conflict, but significant diplomatic hurdles remain before any agreement can be finalized.
