US Lawmakers Express Doubts Over Israel-Saudi Normalization Amid Gaza Conflict

As the conflict in Gaza intensifies and the American presidential election looms, senior U.S. lawmakers are expressing increasing skepticism about the feasibility of achieving a normalization agreement between Israel and Saudi Arabia. The Biden administration’s efforts to broker such a deal appear to be slipping out of Washington’s grasp, with the political climate becoming ever more charged.

Democratic Senator Chris Coons, a key ally of President Joe Biden, highlighted the difficulties in securing a deal under the current circumstances. “Ratification of a new security treaty with the United States and the Saudis, in an environment this close to an election, in an environment this charged, I think would be exceptionally difficult,” Coons told Jewish Insider.

The Biden administration has been attempting to leverage the prospect of a normalization agreement with Saudi Arabia to encourage Israel to agree to a ceasefire with Hamas. However, the ongoing violence in Gaza and the approaching U.S. presidential election are complicating these efforts.

Saudi Arabia has made it clear that any normalization agreement with Israel must include concrete steps towards a two-state solution. Riyadh is also engaged in discussions with the U.S. on a range of diplomatic deals, including agreements on nuclear energy, a security pledge, and expedited arms deals.

A defense treaty with the guarantees sought by Saudi Arabia would likely need to be ratified by the U.S. Senate. Coons’ comments reflect the significant challenges in securing congressional approval for such a deal, particularly when President Biden’s own party is divided over whether he should even proceed as their nominee.

The political landscape in Washington is increasingly polarized, with divisions within the Democratic Party complicating the Biden administration’s foreign policy agenda. Some Democrats are wary of moving forward with a normalization agreement that could be seen as rewarding Israel amid its ongoing military actions in Gaza.

“The situation in Gaza is dire, and any move towards normalization with Israel must be contingent on meaningful steps towards peace and justice for the Palestinian people,” said Representative Ilhan Omar (D-MN). “We cannot turn a blind eye to the suffering in Gaza while pursuing diplomatic deals.”

The Biden Administration’s Strategy

The Biden administration has been working to balance its support for Israel with calls for a ceasefire and humanitarian aid for Gaza. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has been actively engaged in diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the conflict, but progress has been slow.

“The administration is trying to walk a fine line,” said a senior State Department official. “We want to support our ally Israel, but we also recognize the urgent need for a ceasefire and humanitarian relief in Gaza.”

Saudi Arabia’s role in the potential normalization agreement is crucial. Riyadh’s insistence on concrete steps towards a two-state solution reflects its commitment to addressing the Palestinian issue. However, the kingdom’s broader diplomatic agenda with the U.S. complicates the situation.

“Saudi Arabia is seeking a comprehensive package that includes not just normalization with Israel, but also significant diplomatic and security agreements with the U.S.,” said a Middle East analyst. “This makes the negotiations incredibly complex, especially in the current political climate.”

The need for Senate ratification of any defense treaty adds another layer of complexity. With the Senate closely divided and many Democrats skeptical of moving forward with a normalization agreement amid the Gaza conflict, securing the necessary votes would be a formidable challenge.

“Getting a defense treaty through the Senate in this environment would be an uphill battle,” said Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT). “We need to prioritize peace and justice for the Palestinian people, not rush into agreements that could exacerbate the situation.”

As the conflict in Gaza continues and the U.S. presidential election approaches, the prospects for a normalization agreement between Israel and Saudi Arabia remain uncertain. The Biden administration faces significant challenges in navigating the complex political landscape and securing the necessary support for any deal.

For now, the focus remains on de-escalating the violence in Gaza and addressing the urgent humanitarian needs of the Palestinian people. The path to normalization, if it is to be achieved, will require careful diplomacy, political will, and a genuine commitment to peace and justice for all parties involved.

The situation underscores the complexities and challenges of Middle East diplomacy, particularly in a highly charged political environment. As U.S. lawmakers express doubts and the Gaza conflict rages on, the goal of normalizing ties between Israel and Saudi Arabia appears increasingly elusive. The coming months will be critical in determining whether a path forward can be found, one that balances the interests of all parties and moves towards a lasting peace in the region.