May 29, 2025 3:05 am
Full News

Saudi Arabia Shifts Focus to Modest U.S. Military Pact Amid Stalemate on Israel Normalisation

RIYADH – Saudi Arabia has stepped back from pursuing a sweeping defence treaty with the United States in exchange for normalising relations with Israel. Instead, the kingdom is negotiating a scaled-down military cooperation agreement, according to Saudi and Western officials.

Earlier this year, Riyadh signalled flexibility on Palestinian statehood, suggesting it could accept an Israeli commitment to a two-state solution to formalise ties. However, growing public outrage over Israel’s actions in Gaza has led Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to renew demands for concrete progress toward a Palestinian state before recognising Israel, sources said.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains eager to secure normalisation with Saudi Arabia as a landmark achievement but faces fierce domestic opposition to any concessions to the Palestinians. Analysts suggest any move toward Palestinian statehood would fracture his ruling coalition.

A Shift Toward Pragmatic Defence Cooperation

With broader security treaty talks faltering, Saudi Arabia and the U.S. are discussing a more limited pact focused on military cooperation. This agreement would expand joint drills, strengthen defence firm partnerships, and bolster Saudi investments in advanced technologies, particularly drone and missile defences. The U.S. may also deploy a Patriot missile battalion to Riyadh.

However, the proposed pact stops short of the binding mutual defence treaty Riyadh initially sought, similar to U.S. agreements with Japan or South Korea.

“Saudi Arabia will get a security deal which will allow more military cooperation and sales of U.S. weapons, but not a defence treaty,” said Abdelaziz al-Sagher, head of the Gulf Research Institute.

Time Constraints and Political Uncertainty

U.S. officials hope to finalise a deal before President Joe Biden leaves office in January, but negotiations face obstacles. Saudi objections to nuclear restrictions, human rights clauses, and the U.S. Senate’s likely refusal to approve a treaty without Israel recognition complicate matters.

Complicating the picture further is the potential return of Donald Trump to the White House. Trump, a close ally of the Saudi crown prince, previously proposed a plan that bypasses Palestinian statehood and aligns with Israeli territorial claims. Diplomats suggest Trump may push Riyadh to normalise relations with Israel without substantial concessions for Palestinians.

Crown Prince’s Balancing Act

The Gaza conflict has heightened regional tensions, with Saudi Arabia reiterating that Palestinian statehood remains central to peace efforts. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman recently condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza as “collective genocide” and reaffirmed support for a two-state solution.

While normalisation talks with Israel are on hold, analysts believe they could resume after the Gaza conflict, potentially under different Israeli leadership. Trump’s influence, however, could steer negotiations in a different direction.

“For Trump, Saudi Arabia is the big prize,” said Middle East expert Fawaz Gerges. “He may promise a ceasefire in Gaza and tentative support for a Palestinian state, while avoiding real concessions from Israel.”

Saudi officials maintain that lasting regional peace hinges on Palestinian self-determination, warning that bypassing the issue will only perpet

Related News
What Are the Gulf ‘Trillions’ Trump Claims Will Boost the US Economy?
Elon Musk Working to Shut Down USAID
Former South Korean Defense Minister Attempts Suicide Amid Martial Law Probe
India Criticizes Pakistan’s Misuse of OIC Platform Ahead of PM Modi’s Saudi Visit
George Clooney Shuts Down Trump’s Jibe: “I Speak My Truth”
US Accelerates Arms Shipments to Taiwan Amid Rising Tensions
Related Posts
Gazan Children Queue for Food as Starvation Crisis Deepens
Ukrainian Drones Strike Russian Weapons Factories, Kyiv Claims
People With ADHD Face Higher Driving Risks — But There Are Ways To Stay Safe
NYC Subway Modernization and Congestion Pricing Victory Highlight Latest MTA Board Meeting
Supporters of Khaleda Zia Rally in Dhaka, Demand General Election in December
China, North Korea, and Russia Respond to Trump’s ‘Golden Dome’ Defense Proposal
More News

Orlando Bloom Reflects on Keira Knightley’s ‘Pirates’ Struggles

Orlando Bloom recently spoke out in support of his Pirates of the Caribbean co-star Keira Knightley, following her comments about the mixed impact the franchise had on her career. Knightley, who starred as Elizabeth Swann alongside Bloom’s Will Turner in the hit series, opened up last November about the public shaming she faced due to […]

Araujo In Barcelona Until 2031

Ronald Araujo’s relationship with Barcelona is getting longer. The Uruguayan defender will stay in the Catalan club until 2031. Araujo, 25, has a contract with Barcelona until 2026. The new agreement extended it to five years. The future of Arauho, who has been sidelined for a long time due to injury, has been discussed a […]

Bangladeshi Filmmaker Faces Death Threats from Extremists Amid Rising Religious Intolerance

Award-winning Bangladeshi filmmaker and human rights activist Sahadat Russell is facing escalating threats to his life after multiple violent attacks by religious extremists. His outspoken advocacy for secularism, LGBTQ+ rights, and free expression has made him a prime target for fundamentalist groups in Bangladesh. Escalating Threats and Violent Attacks On August 7, 2024, Russell’s residence […]

Can Bangladesh’s Yunus Overcome Sheikh Hasina’s Legacy and Deliver Reform?

Bangladesh’s interim leader, Muhammad Yunus, faces the daunting task of rebuilding the nation after the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s long-standing regime. However, he must navigate strong resistance from her supporters while addressing economic and political challenges. Since taking office, Yunus has struggled with rising inflation and delays in implementing crucial reforms in the judiciary, political […]

Beijing’s Calculated Response: Can China and the US Steer Clear of a Full-Scale Trade War?

As tensions between the United States and China escalate with new tariff impositions, the world watches closely to see if the two largest global economies can avoid a full-scale trade war. Beijing’s recent decision to implement retaliatory tariffs on selected American imports marks a significant moment in the ongoing economic standoff between these superpowers. Beijing’s […]

Zelensky Seeks Trump’s Help to End War with Russia

KYIV – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed hope that US President-elect Donald Trump could play a decisive role in ending the 34-month-old war with Russia. In an interview with Ukrainian television on January 2, Zelensky revealed that Trump had promised to invite him to Washington soon after the presidential inauguration. Facing Russian advances in eastern […]

At Least 4 Dead, 10 Injured After Tornado-Warned Storm Tears Through St. Louis Metro Area

ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI — A powerful storm system swept through the St. Louis metropolitan area on Friday, leaving a trail of destruction, killing at least four people, and injuring 10 others, according to authorities. The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department confirmed four storm-related fatalities via social media. The violent weather was part of a larger […]

Glen Powell Excited for ‘The Running Man’ Remake

Hollywood actor Glen Powell has officially wrapped filming on the highly anticipated remake of the 1987 action classic The Running Man. Powell took to Instagram to share the news with fans, posting a behind-the-scenes image alongside director Edgar Wright, holding a giant movie slate. “That’s a picture wrap on The Running Man! All my love […]

US Swimmer Gary Hall Jr. Loses 10 Olympic Medals in Devastating Palisades Wildfire

[Photo caption: Hall, left, after he won the silver medal in the men's 100-meter freestyle at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta. Photo: Simon Bruty/Allsport/Getty Images]

Barry Keoghan Unsure About Joker Return in The Batman – Part II

Barry Keoghan has addressed the possibility of reprising his role as the Joker in The Batman – Part II, stating that he is still unsure about whether he will return. Keoghan portrayed the Joker in a brief scene in Matt Reeves’ 2022 superhero film, where the villain shared a moment with the Riddler, played by […]