Senator Joni Ernst to head US delegation to KSA, "Israel"

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Axios
5 Oct 2023 16:05
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Republican Senator Johnny Ernst is set to lead a bipartisan US delegation on a diplomatic mission to Saudi Arabia and "Israel" in preparation for a normalization deal.

Sen. Joni Erns speaks during a media availability on Capitol Hill, Washington Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2023 (AP)

Earlier today, Axios reported that Republican Senator Joni Ernst will lead a bipartisan US delegation on an upcoming trip to Saudi Arabia and "Israel."

Senator Ernst's visit to the Middle East aligns with the White House's efforts to broker a normalization agreement between Saudi Arabia and "Israel" in the coming months before the presidential elections divert President Joe Biden's focus.

The report also indicates that Senator Ernst and the delegation will visit Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates as part of their itinerary. Ernst's office has stated that they anticipate meetings with several heads of state during their visits.

Furthermore, it is expected that Senator Ernst and the accompanying delegation will meet with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Occupation Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

"If a mega-deal is reached, some parts of it will likely have to be approved by the Senate. That means the Biden administration will need the support from both Republicans and Democrats — including those who are critical of the Saudi or Israeli governments, or both," Axios writes.

According to Axios, US President Joe Biden's administration members visited Saudi Arabia last week in a secret trip to discuss possible normalization with the Israeli occupation.

Two anonymous sources revealed that officials included were National Security Council Coordinator for the Middle East and North Africa Brett McGurk and Special Presidential Coordinator for Global Infrastructure and Energy Security Amos Hochstein.

The sources indicated that McGurk and Hochstein met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) along with other top Saudi officials to discuss the deal and other regional and bilateral concerns.

Saudi Arabia has been reportedly seeking US assistance to develop a civilian nuclear program as part of ongoing talks brokered by the US, aimed at normalizing relations between Riyadh and "Tel Aviv."