GOP Senator Graham 'optimistic' about potential Israel-Saudi deal before Biden's term ends

Normalisation agreement built on 'Abraham Accords,' can significantly reshape Middle Eastern diplomacy

US Republican Senator Lindsey Graham highlighted on Wednesday the possibility of normalizing relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia by the end of 2024.

After a conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Graham stated that both leaders are committed to securing the deal during President Joe Biden’s administration.

The normalization agreement, building on the "Abraham Accords," could significantly reshape Middle Eastern diplomacy, claiming it would enhance security ties between Israel and its Arab neighbors.

Graham emphasized the urgency of finalizing the agreement before President Biden leaves office in January 2025, noting that it might be more challenging to secure sufficient votes in Congress under a new US administration.

He highlighted Biden's determination to push the deal forward, saying, "I think the time to do this is on Biden's watch."

Despite progress, Graham raised concerns about Vice President Kamala Harris's perceived reluctance to prioritize such an agreement.

However, Morgan Finkelstein, National Security Spokeswoman for Harris’s campaign, refuted this claim, stating that Harris has always supported integrating Israel more deeply into the Middle East and views Saudi-Israel normalization as crucial to countering Iran's influence.

A key component of the Israel-Saudi normalization would involve US security guarantees for Saudi Arabia, as well as other potential bilateral deals between Washington and Riyadh.

However, efforts to finalize the accord stalled following October 7 attack.

To ratify a defense pact, a two-thirds majority in the US Senate is required, adding to the political complexity.

Analysts also warn that achieving normalization without a clear path to Palestinian statehood may be difficult.

Recently, Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi held talks in Cairo on Tuesday, where they agreed to enhance trade and investment ties and called for a ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon.

Graham expressed confidence that a solution could be found, proposing the creation of a demilitarized Palestinian state that would not pose a threat to Israel.

He also underscored the importance of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s economic ambitions, suggesting that without a deal, Saudi Arabia's goals would be undermined.

Graham’s comments come as violence continues to escalate in the region.

Israeli military attacks have intensified in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria.

Overnight, Israel carried out 17 airstrikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs, according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry.

At least one person was killed, and five others were wounded in the attacks, which leveled six buildings.

Lebanon's military reported that an Israeli invasion in southern Bint Jbeil killed three Lebanese soldiers, including an officer.

Additionally, Israel has expanded its strikes on Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon, amid rising tensions between the two sides.

In Gaza, the Israeli assault continues to take a devastating toll. Gaza’s Government Media Office reported that more than 770 Palestinians were killed in recent Israeli strikes on Jabalia, while Gaza’s overall death toll since October 7 now exceeds 42,792, with over 100,000 wounded.

The United Nations and other international bodies have warned of the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation as Palestinians endure ongoing airstrikes and a relentless siege.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed concern over the dire conditions, stating that those trapped in northern Gaza are "rapidly exhausting all available means for their survival."

Next few weeks could be pivotal in determining whether the Biden administration succeeds in brokering the Israel-Saudi normalization deal or if the conflict in the region will continue to overshadow diplomatic progress.