Saudi Arabia and Israel to become friends? Netanyahu reaches US, says…, Trump wants to…

A ceasefire has occurred between Hamas and Israel.

Riyadh/Washington: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has arrived in the United States following Donald Trump’s assumption of power. Tensions remain high across the Middle East after the wars in Gaza and Lebanon and the coup in Syria.

A ceasefire has occurred between Hamas and Israel before Trump’s rise to power, and several prisoners have also been released. This has led to hopes for peace in the Gulf countries. Meanwhile, just before arriving in the U.S., Netanyahu made a significant statement. The Israeli PM said that an important meeting regarding normalizing relations with Saudi Arabia is set to take place with Trump. Additionally, discussions between Netanyahu and Trump will also cover the release of hostages.

Upon arriving in America, Netanyahu was warmly welcomed in Washington on Sunday, February 2, evening. Just before taking off, Netanyahu said, “This is a very important meeting. In fact, this is the first time a foreign leader is meeting after President Trump’s inauguration. Therefore, it is a testament to the Israel-U.S. alliance. It is a testament to the strength of our personal relationship.”

Netanyahu stated that he would discuss the ongoing war against Hamas, the release of all hostages, and the Iranian terrorist axis with President Trump.

The Israeli PM stated that in this meeting, he will discuss normalizing relations with Saudi Arabia with Trump. He said that he will talk about expanding the scope of peace and will attempt to achieve peace through strength.

Regarding normalizing relations with Saudi Arabia, Netanyahu’s spokesperson Dr. Omer Dostri said that our desire is to reach peace and the other side has the same desire. He also mentioned that normalizing relations is more challenging now compared to before October 7. The reason for this is that Saudi Arabia has set the condition that Israel must cease hostilities before any discussions on normalizing relations can take place.

Dostri said, “If the process of normalizing relations had taken place without war in Gaza, it would have been easier from Saudi Arabia’s perspective.”

He stated that our goal in Gaza is not yet achieved. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia is adamant on the demand that it will only recognize Israel if the Jewish state allows the establishment of a separate Palestinian state. Dostri mentioned that Hamas wants to eliminate Israel through military force, while the Palestinian Authority wants to do it legally.

In the meantime, Trump has also stated that a significant meeting with Netanyahu is about to take place. Trump wants to establish Abraham Accord 2 during his second term to foster friendship between Israel and Saudi Arabia. Previously, Trump facilitated friendship between Israel and the UAE through the Abraham Accord.