Tel Aviv, Israel – US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is considering a trip to the Middle East in October as part of Washington’s ongoing efforts to broker a normalization agreement between Israel and Saudi Arabia, according to a report published in The Times of Israel.
The proposed visit would include stops in Israel, the West Bank, and Saudi Arabia, although it has not been confirmed yet, and the State Department has declined to comment on it.
The US State Department has also issued a statement marking the third anniversary of the historic Abraham Accords, emphasizing their transformative impact on US allies in the region. “On this anniversary we recommit ourselves to the goal of expanding and deepening opportunities for integration represented by the Accords. The United States remains steadfast in its support for a more peaceful, secure, and prosperous Middle East,” the statement said.
Blinken has been actively involved in diplomatic efforts in the region, with his last visit to Israel and the West Bank in January where he expressed concern over judicial reforms initiated by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government. In June, Blinken traveled to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to discuss the potential normalization agreement with Saudi leaders, including Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and Middle East czar Brett Mcgurk have also made visits to Riyadh in July and last week, respectively, to further these discussions. However, Biden administration officials have tempered expectations, acknowledging that there is still much work to be done before a deal can be reached.
Secretary Blinken recently held discussions with both Netanyahu and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, emphasizing that advancing a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is a crucial component of the potential normalization deal being brokered between Riyadh and Jerusalem.
Saudi Arabia has indicated its commitment to the Palestinian cause during negotiations with the US. In exchange for normalizing ties with Israel, Saudi Arabia is seeking a major defense pact with the US, significant arms deals, and US cooperation in establishing a civilian nuclear program within Saudi Arabia. In return, Washington is looking for Riyadh to reduce its economic and military dealings with China and Russia.
To garner support for the deal among congressional Democrats and the pro-Palestinian public, Israel may be asked to make substantial concessions to advance a two-state solution. However, this could pose a challenge for Netanyahu’s hardline government.