U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham has indicated that a normalization agreement between Israel and Saudi Arabia may be achievable before the end of 2024.
Speaking in a recent interview, Graham emphasized that discussions are progressing, and both nations have a mutual interest in strengthening ties.
Graham expressed confidence that a deal could enhance regional stability and security while addressing various geopolitical concerns.
“I think the time to do this is on Biden’s watch,” said Graham, who had also met with Netanyahu earlier this month.
He said Vice President Kamala Harris was “far more beholden to the left” and had not shown interest in working for such an agreement, but Biden was keen to see a deal get done and would be able to mobilize the needed Democratic votes.
“We’re moving in the right direction,” he said, adding that he expected Saudi de facto ruler Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to be supportive since the absence of a deal would undermine his economic goals.
Graham said there was an “opening a mile wide” for a ceasefire in Lebanon given Israel’s attacks on Hezbollah leaders, but ensuring a lasting peace in the region also required a plan to rebuild Gaza after the war and the West Bank, something he said should be led by Saudi Arabia and other Arab countries.
Normalizing Israeli-Saudi relations would mark an expansion of the “Abraham Accords” sealed when Trump was in office. The accords led to the normalization of relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Morocco and Sudan.
He noted that U.S. officials are actively facilitating these negotiations to foster improved relations in the Middle East.
As talks continue, the potential agreement is seen as a significant step toward broader peace efforts in the region, which could transform diplomatic dynamics between Israel and its Arab neighbors.
