Saudi ArabiaNormalization Risk Undermining War Gains, Smotrich Warns
Here's a fresh take:
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich: Saudi Arabia's Move Could Challenge Israel's Security
In an unexpected twist, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich voiced concerns about Saudi Arabia potentially joining the Abraham Accords, warning of potential risks to Israel's security and potential repercussions on Israel's military achievements in Gaza.
"Expanding the Abraham Accords can't be done on lies or at the expense of Israel's security," Smotrich declared, adding that any progress with Saudi Arabia should not compromise Israel's political objectives, such as the dismantling of Hamas in Gaza.
Smotrich, a hardline politician hailing from one of Benjamin Netanyahu's most conservative cabinet factions, has previously expressed reservations about normalizing relations with Saudi Arabia if it meant recognizing a Palestinian state.
Historically, Israel made diplomatic strides during the Trump Administration, establishing ties with the UAE, Bahrain, and Morocco. However, Saudi Arabia's entry into the Abraham Accords stalled due to the Gaza war and demands for a future Palestinian state.
Smotrich applauded Trump's return to the White House, praising the current administration's stance as a refreshing contrast to the Biden administration's alleged boycott of a significant portion of the Israeli population. "Trump will continue to work towards strengthening Israel's security and stature," Smotrich said, expressing confidence in the U.S. special envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, and his dedication to Israel.
Today's political landscape surrounding Saudi Arabia's possible inclusion in the Abraham Accords is convoluted, influenced by regional politics, and shaped by key figures like Smotrich. Recent developments, including Saudi Arabia's shifting allegiances towards Iran and the U.S.'s uncertain influence in the region, complicate the normalization process.
Related Topics
Bezalel Smotrich, Saudi Arabia, Benjamin Netanyahu, Donald Trump, Gaza, Abraham Accords, Israel's Security, Steve Witkoff, Middle East Politics, EUROPAPRESS
"The expansion of the Abraham Accords, as Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich cautions, could potentially involve war-and-conflicts if not managed carefully, considering the repercussions on Israel's security and its military achievements in Gaza. The unfolding politics surrounding Saudi Arabia's inclusion in the Abraham Accords, as Smotrich noted, is intricately connected to policy-and-legislation and general-news, especially regarding Israel's political objectives and the dismantling of Hamas in Gaza."
