US: Israel-Saudi Normalization Still Possible

National Security Council Spokesperson John Kirby addressed the question of establishing diplomatic relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia this evening (Monday), expressing optimism about the possibility of normalization between the two countries in the future.

“We believe that normalization between Israel and Saudi Arabia is still possible,” Kirby said, adding that American President Joe Biden “still believes in the two-state solution, and any such solution will lead to compromise.

Kirby also addressed the continued fighting in the Gaza Strip, saying that Israel has the right to defend itself but that hospitals need to be protected. He added that the United States is interested in pauses in the fighting in an effort to free the Israeli hostages currently held by Hamas, but not a general cease fire in Gaza.