After taking office, U.S. President Donald Trump spoke with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman over the phone. During the conversation, Trump expressed his desire to expand the agreements aimed at normalizing relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel.
This information was reported by The Times of Israel on Thursday (January 23). The phone conversation between them took place on Wednesday (January 22).
Trump’s call highlights Saudi Arabia as a priority for the United States. During the call, Trump expressed his wish to expand the Abraham Accords to normalize relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel. Riyadh is keen to sign the Abraham Accords with Washington. Under this agreement, Saudi Arabia would receive security assurances in case of an attack. Additionally, the agreement would pave the way for significant U.S. economic investments.
Saudi Arabia has long emphasized the need for effective initiatives to establish an independent Palestinian state as part of the deal. Since the Gaza war began on October 7, 2023, Saudi Arabia has been pressing this issue more firmly. Sources close to the Crown Prince stated that symbolic actions from Israel would no longer be acceptable, and effective measures would now be necessary.
Saudi Arabia has made it clear that discussions on normalizing relations cannot proceed without an end to the Gaza war. On the other hand, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has consistently opposed a two-state solution.
During Wednesday’s phone conversation, Salman informed Trump that Saudi Arabia plans to increase its investments in the United States to $600 billion over the next four years. Furthermore, if new opportunities arise, this amount could grow even higher. This information was reported by Saudi state media. However, the White House has not released any statement regarding this matter.