Khamenei: "Israel", KSA normalizing is "betting on a losing horse"

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
3 Oct 2023 14:43

Iranian Leader Seyyed Ali Khamenei's comments come as Israeli foreign minister Eli Cohen claimed last month that a US-brokered deal to normalize ties between "Israel" and Saudi Arabia could happen by early next year after all three nations demonstrated progress in the negotiations.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, left, shakes hands with Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan during a joint news conference in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, June 8, 2023 (AP)

Iranian leader Seyyed Ali Khamenei stated on Tuesday that nations seeking to normalize relations with "Israel" "are betting on a losing horse," according to Iranian state media.

"The definite position of the Islamic Republic is that countries that make the gamble of normalization with 'Israel' will lose. They are betting on a losing horse," the leader said.

The Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen claimed last month that a US-brokered deal to normalize ties between "Israel" and Saudi Arabia could happen by early next year after all three nations demonstrated progress in the negotiations.

"Existing differences can be overcome. It will take time, but there is progress. I think there is certainly a possibility that in the first quarter of 2024, four or five months from now, that is, there will be a moment when we can finally negotiate all the details," Cohen said in an interview for the Israeli occupation army radio.

This comes after Moraya Fulberg, the political affairs commentator on the Israeli Channel 13, stated on Sunday: "While we are on the right path, there are still many obstacles in the way, and this poses a significant challenge."

"There are discussions within the security and military establishment, and it is expected that prominent Israeli figures will soon arrive in Washington. Furthermore, the Prime Minister is also expected to visit in November," she added.

Just 10 days earlier, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman admitted that Saudi Arabia was getting closer to normalizing ties with the Israeli occupation in an interview with Fox News, adding that if Iran acquires a nuclear weapon, "we have to get one."

"Every day we get closer," Bin Salman said when asked to describe the discussions focused on normalizing diplomatic ties between Saudi Arabia and "Israel."

Responding to a question on the requirements of a normalization deal, the de facto Saudi leader claimed that "the Palestinian issue is very important. We need to solve that part," adding that there had been "good negotiations" so far.