Trump: Abraham Accords Back on Table, Israel Aided Saudis Against Houthis
Translated & summarized from Calcalist by baba
Former U.S. President Donald Trump claimed the Abraham Accords are back on the table and that Israel has aided Saudi Arabia against the Houthis. However, sources indicate Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman distrusts Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and normalization is unlikely without progress on Palestinian statehood. Recent Houthi attacks on Saudi infrastructure, including Riyadh's airport, have escalated the conflict and are impacting the kingdom's economy and its ability to host major events like the Future Investment Initiative summit.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Donald Trump stated the Abraham Accords are back on the table and Israel has aided Saudi Arabia against the Houthis.
- Sources claim Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman distrusts PM Benjamin Netanyahu, hindering normalization.
- Saudi Arabia's key condition for normalization remains progress toward a sovereign Palestinian state.
- Recent Houthi attacks on Saudi infrastructure, including Riyadh's airport, have escalated the conflict.
- The attacks threaten Saudi Arabia's economy and its ability to host the Future Investment Initiative summit.
- Analysts believe Houthi strikes target Saudi economic infrastructure and the kingdom's reputation.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the Abraham Accords are back on the table, suggesting they are more relevant than ever. He indicated that Saudi Arabia is pleased with support from Israel and the U.S. Trump also affirmed that Saudi Arabia should accept Israeli assistance in its fight against the Houthis, noting that "Israel has helped Saudi Arabia a lot." However, sources familiar with the matter cast doubt on Trump's assessment regarding the Abraham Accords. They report that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman distrusts Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, making normalization difficult while Netanyahu remains in power. Saudi Arabia and other Arab nations are reportedly awaiting Israeli elections, hoping for political changes. A key Saudi condition for normalization remains the initiation of a "meaningful political process that will ultimately lead to the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state," a condition not yet met.
Recent weeks have seen a sharp escalation in the conflict between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis. While Saudi Arabia limits public details about damage from Houthi attacks and often reports successful interceptions, the attacks are impacting the kingdom. The recent significant strike at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh has exposed the vulnerability of Saudi infrastructure and its economy, threatening Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's Vision 2030. The aviation sector has been particularly affected, disrupting travel and business. These attacks coincide with Saudi Arabia's preparations to host the Future Investment Initiative summit from October 26-29, a major event that now faces security challenges.
Analysts believe the Houthi attacks on Saudi airports are strategically aimed at causing maximum damage to economic infrastructure and the kingdom's reputation. Fara Al-Maslami of the British think tank Chatham House noted that the Houthis can inflict significant damage on Saudi Arabia's economy, which has much to lose. While some analysts suggest the economic impact might be temporary, others highlight the disruption to oil flows and the damage to Saudi Arabia's economic image, warning that the attacks threaten vital sectors like energy, aviation, tourism, and investment.
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