Sullivan-Netanyahu to discuss confronting Iran, normalization with KSA

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
18 Jan 22:58

US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan lands in "Israel" to discuss several issues, including Iran and Saudi Arabia.

White House National Security adviser Jake Sullivan speaks during a press briefing at the White House (AP).

Jake Sullivan, US National Security Advisor, traveled to "Israel" this week to meet with government officials to talk about regional security issues considered to be a common concern, including Iran, according to White House National Security Council Spokesperson John Kirby.

The Spokesperson confirmed to the reporter that "Mr. Sullivan has arrived in Israel and has begun to meet with Israeli officials," adding that "he's going to underscore the enduring US commitment to Israeli security. He's also going to discuss the challenges and opportunities that face the region, including, of course, the threat posed by Iran."

Moreover, Kirby highlighted that also on Sullivan's agenda will be the advancement of Israeli-Saudi Arabian relations in regard to the deepening of normalization.

Sullivan's visit to "Israel" also seeks to emphasize the US commitment to a "two-state solution" and to maintaining the existing "status quo" as the US fears that the new radical Israeli government's measures - as 15 Palestinians have already been martyred in the first 18 days of 2023 - could cause what the US calls "unrest".

Israeli journalist from Riyadh: KSA-'Israel' ties closer than ever

An Israeli journalist reported from the Saudi capital, Riyadh, about his impressions regarding the normalization of relations between Saudi Arabia and "Israel", which are currently closer than ever, according to his estimation.

Israeli journalist Henrique Zimmermann told the Israeli iNews 24 website, "Within the rapprochement between Saudi Arabia and Israel, we are witnessing the presence of a Jewish community in Riyadh and an activity of Israeli businessmen who have been working for some time in the kingdom."

"We are standing at the beginning of a new era. There are new things that have started, but it needs more time," he added.

The Israeli journalist indicated that "during recent weeks, news about official relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel and information regarding the establishment of future relations between the two parties have increased."

"The Israeli prime minister surprised the international community in August 2020 by establishing (normalization) relations with the UAE, Sudan, Morocco, and Bahrain. These countries would not have signed the agreement without the approval of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which is the most influential country in the Arab world," Zimmermann confirmed.

The journalist touched upon the kingdom's conditions for agreeing to normalization with the Israeli occupation, saying that "before the start of the sixth government of [Israeli PM] Benjamin Netanyahu, the most right-wing Israeli government, the de facto leader of the kingdom, Mohammed bin Salman set conditions for joining the Abraham Accords."