KSA-'Israel' normalization deal to leverage post-war plans: Sullivan
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White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan states that the Biden administration is actively seeking a transition from the war on Gaza to the normalization of relations between "Israel" and Arab states in the region.
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White House national security advisor Jake Sullivan addresses the World Economic Forum in Davos on January 16, 2024. (AFP)
White House national security advisor Jake Sullivan outlined the Biden administration's approach to post-war Gaza during the World Economic Forum.
Sullivan emphasized the strategy of connecting the potential normalization deal between "Israel" and Saudi Arabia with the development of a framework for the establishment of a Palestinian state.
His remarks mirrored a private message conveyed by Secretary of State Tony Blinken to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in 'Tel Aviv' last week. The Biden administration aims to leverage a potential normalization agreement between "Israel" and Saudi Arabia to gain Israeli cooperation in implementing its vision for the post-war situation in Gaza.
Sullivan's four principles for the post-war strategy
Sullivan outlined four key principles guiding US considerations for a political resolution post-war: preventing Gaza from being a source of "terror attacks on Israel", completing normalization agreements between "Israel" and neighboring Arab countries, establishing a Palestinian state, and providing security assurances for "Israel".
Sullivan admitted that the Netanyahu government "has expressed quite strong views publicly about the Palestinian question," adding that "It is President Biden's firm conviction that the way to do that is two states with Israel security guaranteed."
His statement comes after Saudi Arabia's foreign minister said the kingdom could recognize "Israel" if a comprehensive agreement were reached that included statehood for the Palestinians, ambitious talk as the war on Gaza shows no sign of easing.
During the annual World Economic Forum held in #Davos, Switzerland, #Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan said that the Kingdom would "certainly" recognize "Israel" as a part of a wider agreement.
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) January 16, 2024
The statement comes as the Israeli occupation has killed more than 24,200… pic.twitter.com/Iuhis8mwed
"We agree that regional peace includes peace for Israel, but that could only happen through peace for the Palestinians through a Palestinian state," Prince Faisal bin Farhan told a panel at the World Economic Forum in Davos.
Asked if Saudi Arabia would then recognize "Israel" as part of a wider political agreement, he said: "Certainly."
