Sullivan plans talks in KSA, 'Israel' amid Rafah invasion: Axios
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Sullivan's trip is also a long-shot attempt to move forward with a US-Saudi "Mega Deal" that might entail mending relations between Saudi Arabia and the occupation.
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Displaced Palestinians arrive in central Gaza after fleeing from the southern city of Rafah in Deir al-Balah in Gaza on May 8 2024. (AP)
Israeli and US sources have informed Axios that National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan planned to visit Saudi Arabia and "Israel" this weekend amid escalating tensions over the invasion of Rafah.
The White House continues its alleged attempt to persuade "Israel" to "scale back its aggression in Rafah," at least until Sullivan's arrival that is. A senior US source reported that such was the agreement with Israeli officials until a high-level meeting takes place in Washington with Israeli officials.
Sullivan's trip is also a long-shot attempt to move forward with a US-Saudi "Mega Deal" that might entail mending relations between Saudi Arabia and the occupation.
Tensions have heightened significantly between the Biden administration and the Israeli government since the invasion of Rafah and Sullivan's trip is an attempt to move forward
Last week, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken defended the US' temporary halt of 3,500 bombs, made up of 2,000-pound and 500-pound bombs, to "Israel", allegedly for concerns that they would potentially be used in Rafah, where approximately 1.4 million Palestinians were forcefully displaced to under the pretext of a "safe zone".
US officials claim the White House has been trying to convince Benjamin Netanyahu against any major attack in Rafah that would hinder a normalization agreement with Saudi Arabia.
Brett McGurk, Biden's top Middle East advisor, told a gathering of Middle East specialists from Washington think tanks last week that Saudi Arabia and other Arab governments in the area have advised the US that an Israeli attack on Rafah would jeopardize the normalization effort.
Despite this, Netanyahu has remained unconvinced.
Sullivan told reporters on Monday that "Israel's long-term security depends on being integrated into the region and enjoying normal relations with the Arab states, including Saudi Arabia," citing that "Israel" should be mindful regarding how an attack would affect its strategy.
"We shouldn't miss a historic opportunity to achieve the vision of a secure Israel flanked by strong regional partners, presenting a powerful front to deter aggression and uphold regional stability," Sullivan continued.
A US-Saudi defense treaty would entail US backing for Saudi Arabia's civilian nuclear program according to US sources. Officials from Washington and Saudi Arabia claim to have made great progress in their negotiations.
Sullivan is to be joined by McGurk, Biden senior advisor Amos Hochstein, and State Department Counselor Derek Chollet and they are due to meet with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Netanyahu, and other Saudi and Israeli officials.
US officials seek to achieve bilateral deals with the Saudis and then bring them to Netanyahu, whose part of the bargain would include an end to the war on Gaza and a commitment to a two-state solution for Palestinians.
Israeli invasion of Rafah set ceasefire negotiations back: Qatari PM
Qatari Prime Minister Mohammad bin Abdul Rahman al-Thani confirmed that the Israeli invasion of Rafah caused a setback in the negotiations on a truce in Gaza.
During the Qatar Economic Forum in Doha today, the Qatari Prime Minister said in the past few weeks, an increasing momentum was witnessed, but unfortunately, things have not moved in the right direction, and "we are now almost in a state of stagnation."
He emphasized the Israeli occupation is unclear on how it will stop the war on Gaza adding that his country will continue to mediate between the Palestinian Resistance and "Israel" regarding a ceasefire, and will not halt negotiations despite all the challenges.
Bin Abdul Rahman al-Thani stressed that the office of the Islamic Resistance Movement Hamas in Doha will remain open as long as the war continues and that there is a need to communicate with the movement.
He also communicated Qatar's stance that a single Palestinian government should exist in both the West Bank and Gaza based on a Palestinian consensus.
