USA Calls on Israel to Make Concessions on Palestinian Issue to Normalize Relations with Riyadh

The White House has informed the Israeli government that the signing of an agreement to establish diplomatic relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia is contingent on the fulfillment of certain Palestinian demands, Axios reports, citing sources.

Israel's Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer visited Washington last week to negotiate with the White House and the State Department over a mega-agreement with Saudi Arabia.

Four current and former U.S. officials told Axios that National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and Secretary of State Antony Blinken raised the necessity for Israel to make concessions regarding the Palestinians as part of the agreement with Saudi Arabia.

Blinken emphasized that such steps are essential for success; for instance, Riyadh must demonstrate positive trends regarding the situation of the Palestinians to the Arab and Muslim worlds.

According to the portal's informants, Blinken added that Israel is “misjudging the situation” if it believes it will not have to make concessions.

On the other hand, Dermer was not in a hurry to discuss potential Israeli moves regarding the Palestinians during his conversation with Sullivan and Blinken, but spoke about Israel's willingness to recognize Saudi Arabia’s right to develop a peaceful nuclear program.