Saudi Arabia Signals Willingness to Join Abraham Accords but Sets Conditions for Israel

In recent weeks, Saudi Arabia has communicated to senior U.S. officials its readiness to reengage in discussions about joining the Abraham Accords. However, according to sources familiar with the matter, Riyadh has set conditions that are unlikely to be accepted by Israel's current government. Three informed sources revealed that Saudi Arabia is conducting diplomatic efforts with Washington entities including the White House, State Department, and members of Congress. The key demands conveyed by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s representatives include the replacement of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after upcoming elections and the reversal of policies promoted by Minister Bezalel Smotrich in the West Bank over recent years.

American sources explained that Saudi Arabia links these two conditions, believing Netanyahu would continue supporting Smotrich’s West Bank policies, making an agreement impossible while Netanyahu remains in office. During the recent conflict, Saudi Arabia considered formally recognizing Israel in exchange for significant Israeli concessions on the Palestinian issue, including an anticipated declaration by Netanyahu supporting the future establishment of a Palestinian state. Netanyahu rejected these demands, halting progress.

The late U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham was reportedly involved in efforts to foster Israeli-Saudi rapprochement in recent years. Observers suggest Saudi Arabia’s demands may primarily aim to advance the peace process rather than secure immediate results. Additionally, Saudi Arabia complicated U.S. President Donald Trump’s campaign against Iran by blocking operations to open the Strait of Hormuz for safe navigation of non-Iranian vessels and denying U.S. military base access for anti-Iran activities, actions that reportedly frustrated Trump.

The Saudi initiative appears partly intended to signal to Trump that Saudi Arabia remains a vital U.S. partner and to promote a diplomatic approach preventing renewed U.S.-Iran conflict. The Saudi embassy did not respond to requests for comment.