Trump Says Abraham Accords Back on Track, Cites Israeli Aid to Saudi Arabia

Former U.S. President Donald Trump stated on Friday, October 16, that Israel has been assisting Saudi Arabia in its operations against the Houthis. Responding to questions about the Abraham Accords, Trump expressed his belief that they are "back on the table, perhaps even more so than ever before." He added that Saudi Arabia is "very happy to get support from Israel and from us," referring to the United States.

Trump specifically affirmed that Saudi Arabia should accept Israeli assistance in combating the Houthis, stating, "Yes, I think they should. Israel has helped Saudi Arabia very much." However, the basis for Trump's assertion regarding the Abraham Accords remains unclear. Sources familiar with the situation suggest that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin-Salman does not trust Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. These sources believe that as long as Netanyahu remains in power, progress on normalizing relations between the two countries is unlikely. Saudi Arabia, along with other Arab nations, is reportedly awaiting the results of upcoming Israeli elections, anticipating potential political shifts.

Saudi Arabia's core demand remains the initiation of a "real political process that will ultimately lead to the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state." Until this condition is met, the kingdom is not expected to normalize relations with Israel. The article also details the recent escalation of conflict between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis, noting that Saudi authorities typically downplay damage from Houthi attacks. While the Saudi-led coalition's official reports focus on successful interceptions, the kingdom faces significant economic challenges that threaten Crown Prince Mohammed Bin-Salman's "Vision 2030" program. Recent Houthi attacks, including one on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, are increasingly exposing the scale of the threat and impacting the aviation sector, a crucial entry point for tourists and business. These attacks occur during a critical period for Saudi Arabia, which is preparing to host the Future Investment Initiative forum from October 26-29, an event that attracts global investors and leaders but is now complicated by security concerns.

Experts like Farea al-Muslimi from Chatham House believe Houthi strikes on Saudi airports are strategically aimed at crippling the kingdom's economic infrastructure and international reputation, exploiting Saudi Arabia's vulnerability. While some analysts, like one cited in Qatar's Al-Arabi Al-Jadeed, suggest the economic impact might be temporary and cease after the current conflict ends, others point to the severe disruption of oil supplies and damage to the kingdom's economic image.