ARAB AND WORLD

Mon 19 Feb 2024 11:03 am - Jerusalem Time

Hebrew Newspaper: Package deal with the United States: Benjamin Netanyahu recognizes a Palestinian state in exchange for normalization with Saudi Arabia

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is in the process of studying approval of the American proposal. It is the recognition of a Palestinian state in exchange for a historic turning point regarding Saudi Arabia.


According to an informed political source, the plan stipulates that the Americans unilaterally recognize the Palestinian state, while Israel expresses its opposition to this matter, and declares that the permanent agreement that will include a Palestinian state is only discussed in direct negotiations, and accepting the American step aims to achieve a historic political breach regarding Saudi Arabia.


Last Thursday, the Washington Post reported that the Biden administration intends to officially recognize the Palestinian state within a few weeks. This step received sharp criticism from a large number of ministers in the government, under the pretext that it exposes Israel to danger, especially after the October 7 attack. October 1st.


But the Prime Minister responded late, and moderately, to the step that Washington intends to take. On Saturday evening, Netanyahu told reporters: “Israel absolutely rejects international dictates regarding the permanent settlement with the Palestinians, which must only take place through direct negotiations between the two parties, and without preconditions.” He added: "Israel will continue to refuse to unilaterally recognize the Palestinian state, as such recognition, after the 'massacre' of October 7, offers a reward to 'terrorism' that we have never seen before, and will prevent any future solution to peace."


A political source explains that the delay in Netanyahu’s response, and the short form he chose, are the result of the understanding with the American administration, within which Netanyahu expresses his opposition to unilateral recognition of the Palestinian state, and his agreement to hold negotiations on a future solution without preconditions.


With this formula, Netanyahu hopes that the Americans will be able to convince Saudi Arabia that Israel has come a long way in the Palestinian issue. In return, Riyadh would be prepared for historic recognition of Israel.


It should be noted that Netanyahu has not taken a final decision in this direction, and he is seriously examining it with Minister Drmer, through whom the talks with the Americans are taking place.


What must be mentioned is that Israel has opposed for decades the trend of Western countries towards unilaterally recognizing the Palestinian state. In Jerusalem's estimation, such recognition is permissible, and reduces the Palestinians' desire to conduct negotiations with Israel, because the international community extracts concessions from it unilaterally.


A political source stated that if the American move comes into effect, it will constitute a severe political blow, and in his estimation, many Western countries will follow Washington’s example and recognize the Palestinian state. However, there is great importance to the formula of recognition if it specifies what the territory of this state is, its capital, and who will control the security field there, in addition to other aspects.

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Hebrew Newspaper: Package deal with the United States: Benjamin Netanyahu recognizes a Palestinian state in exchange for normalization with Saudi Arabia