Saudi Arabia Conditions Israel Normalization on Netanyahu's Ouster and Policy Reversal in West Bank

In recent weeks, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's representatives have approached the White House, the State Department, and several U.S. Congress members with two key conditions for Saudi Arabia to normalize relations with Israel and join the Abraham Accords. The conditions are the replacement of Benjamin Netanyahu as Israel's prime minister following upcoming elections and the reversal of policies implemented by Minister Bezalel Smotrich in the West Bank over recent years.

According to a report by Israel Hayom citing three informed sources, Saudi Arabia has exhibited heightened diplomatic activity, with bin Salman's envoys delivering a unified message to U.S. officials. The Saudis link the two conditions, believing that as long as Netanyahu remains in power, he will continue to support Smotrich's innovative policies in the West Bank.

Previously, during the conflict, Saudi Arabia considered officially recognizing Israel in exchange for significant Israeli concessions in the West Bank, particularly expecting Netanyahu to clearly express willingness to establish a Palestinian state in the future. Netanyahu rejected these demands, causing the initiative to stall.

This development underscores the complex diplomatic dynamics surrounding Israel-Saudi normalization efforts, with Riyadh setting stringent prerequisites that the current Israeli government is unlikely to meet. The situation remains fluid as the Israeli elections approach and regional negotiations continue.