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Peace at all costs

Saudi-Israel deal moving fast - but there's a catch 

U.S. says normalization talks are on track, but Riyadh’s Palestinian demand remains a hurdle.

Muhammad Ben Salman
Photo: Shutterstock

US President Donald Trump's special envoy, Steve Whitkoff, negotiated a comprehensive deal in the Middle East in Saudi Arabia, which would include the implementation of the second phase of the ceasefire, the reconstruction of Gaza, and a path to normalization with Saudi Arabia.

Ynet claimed Wednesday morning that Washington said "the directions are positive, but much more work is needed." A diplomatic source said similar things: "The news is good, there is still work to be done."

In addition, last Friday, Dr. Yehiel Leiter was interviewed by the Jerusalem Post and referred to normalization with Saudi Arabia as part of the broader U.S. plan for the Middle East." Israel is closer than ever to normalization with Saudi Arabia. The development will be a game changer for the region and beyond," Maariv reported.

Leiter claimed that the normalization with Saudi Arabia is part of a broader strategic alignment in the Middle East following the decline of Hamas, Hezbollah, and other Iranian proxies. "We are closer to Saudi Arabia because we have humiliated Hamas," he said.

He added that there are few countries in the world, other than Israel, that want to see Hamas humiliated more than Saudi Arabia," Leiter explained. "Wherever the Muslim Brotherhood is compromised, moderation can increase."

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