Israeli President Isaac Herzog called on Tuesday for efforts to reach an agreement to normalize diplomatic relations with Saudi Arabia.
According to the Times of Israel, at a conference organized by the Israel Democracy Institute, Herzog said that during a recent meeting with White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, he was told that “there is a possibility of normalization of the situation.” with Saudi Arabia.”
“This would be a huge change and a historical turning point, which would be a victory over the “evil empire.” I hope this possibility is taken very seriously because the “evil empire” tried to destroy the possibility of normalization of the situation that day. October 7 (2023),” he said, referring to the attacks carried out by the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas).
“At the end of the day, our fight is not just against Hamas. This is a broader, strategic, global and historical battle, and we must do everything possible to integrate it into the global vision of normalization,” Herzog said after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated his refusal to recognize a Palestinian state, even if it will mean normalization of relations with Riyadh.
Saudi Arabia has always made it a precondition for Israel to recognize a Palestinian state within the 1967 borders, with its capital in East Jerusalem.
Sullivan met with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman last Sunday to discuss a “version” of “strategic agreements” between the two countries for peace and security, which include the normalization of relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel.
Saudi Arabia is one of the UN member countries that does not recognize the State of Israel.
Many states of the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, other countries such as Cuba, North Korea or Venezuela, also did not recognize Israel.
Before the start of the current conflict following the October 7 attacks, Israeli authorities said they were “close” to a “historic” agreement with Riyadh.
Bin Salman himself acknowledged on September 21, 2023, that eventual normalization was getting “closer,” although efforts had stalled since the launch of the Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip.
Author: Lusa
Source: CM Jornal
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