EDITORIAL ANALYSIS : A war that ends the Saudi-Israel ‘normalization’ process

Source: The Hindu

Prelims: Current events of international importance, west Asia, saudi-Iran conflict, Arab League, OPEC, OPEC+, G20 etc

Mains GS Paper II: Bilateral, regional and global grouping and agreements involving India or affecting India’s interests.

ARTICLE HIGHLIGHTS

Hamas launched lethal attacks on Israel
The assault has firmly overturned Israeli efforts, supported by the United States, to promote a normalization of relations with Arab states without conceding anything to the Palestinians

INSIGHTS ON THE ISSUE

Context

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict:

It dates back to the end of the nineteenth century, and is one of the world’s most enduring conflicts, with the Israeli occupation of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip
The Israel and Palestine conflict is complex: It’s rooted in national, political, territorial, cultural and religious factors
The core issue is not just about the land; it is about having the right to self-determination

Abraham Accords:

They are a series of agreements signed in 2020 between Israel and several Arab states, marking a historic shift in diplomatic relations in the Middle East.
The Accords were name Abraham Accords’ in reference to the supposed common ancestor of the Jews and the Arabs, the biblical Abraham, and as an expression of brotherhood.
The primary countries involved in the Abraham Accords include:
- Israel: As a key party to the Accords, Israel agreed to normalize diplomatic relations with the participating Arab nations, marking a significant departure from the historically hostile relationships it had with many Arab states
- United Arab Emirates (UAE): The UAE was the first Arab country to formally announce its normalization of relations with Israel under the Abraham Accords.
- It includes the establishment of full diplomatic relations, as well as economic, technological, and cultural exchanges
- Bahrain: Bahrain followed the UAE’s lead by signing a similar agreement with Israel. The Bahrain-Israel Peace Agreement also encompasses diplomatic relations and cooperation in various sectors.
- Sudan: Sudan joined the Abraham Accords by agreeing to normalize relations with Israel.
- It led to the removal of Sudan from the U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism.
- Morocco: Joined the Accords with a commitment to normalize relations with Israel.
This agreement included the United States’ recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara in exchange for Morocco’s engagement with Israel.

What does Israel’s Prime Minister’s map depiction at the United Nations General Assembly signify?

An isolated Israel in 1948, while the other showed Arab neighbours that now had peace agreements with Israel — Egypt, Sudan, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Jordan.
All the occupied Palestinian territories — the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem — as integral parts of Israel.

Diplomatic relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia:

American and Israeli officials affirmed that the broad contours of the agreement have been finalised.
Two Israeli Ministers visited Saudi Arabia for international conferences

Conditions for deal by the SaudiArabia:

S. approval for a civilian nuclear programme that provides for uranium enrichment within the country; an “iron-clad” U.S.
Security guarantee for the country, and sales of advanced weapons.

Conditions by US:

Saudi Arabia back U.S. interests on oil prices
Dilute its political, military and technological ties with China and deepen strategic engagement with the U.S.

Israel and the U.S. politicians reaction:

Opposed the idea of giving security guarantees to an authoritarian state.
They warned the U.S. President against Saudi Arabia developing its own nuclear programme
It poses an unacceptable proliferation risk — a concern shared by Israel as well.
S. sales of advanced weapons due to Saudi Arabia’s poor human rights record at home and in Yemen.
Saudi insistence that arms supplies be accompanied by a transfer of technology to develop its arms industry.

Saudi-Iran ties:

Normalised under Chinese mediation: embassies have been re-opened in both capitals
High-level visits have been exchanged and economic cooperation is being expanded.

Stand of Saudi Arabia after Isreal Palestine present conflict:

Saudi recognized that peace and stability in the region are not possible without Palestinian interests being addressed.
Saudi Crown Prince: kingdom will “stand by the Palestinian people to achieve their legitimate rights to a decent life, achieve their hopes and aspirations, and achieve just and lasting peace

Way Forward

Saudi journalist, Faisal Abbas: International community must act now to activate a credible peace plan that enables a two-state solution”.
Over the last few years kingdom was pursuing its foreign policy engagements in terms of its own interests, without any U.S. involvement.
The kingdom rejects the U.S. interest in building an anti-China coalition globally and an anti-Iran cabal regionally.
Regardless of the U.S.’s wishes there is no question of Saudi Arabia accommodating the Americans on oil prices or diluting its comprehensive strategic ties with China.
They exemplify its assertion of strategic autonomy and are an integral part of its quest for diverse, multifaceted, and substantial ties across Asia.
Promoting the Palestinian cause will now form an important part of this foreign policy approach