Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a significant statement at the United Nations General Assembly, expressing his belief that normalized relations with Saudi Arabia would be a 'blessing' for the region. Despite the absence of a Saudi delegation in the hall, Netanyahu emphasized the importance of continuing the progress made with the Abraham Accords.
During his speech, Netanyahu highlighted the potential for a historic peace agreement between Israel and Saudi Arabia, which he described as a crucial step towards a new era in the Middle East. He acknowledged the ongoing discussions between Israel and Saudi Arabia prior to recent events, indicating a willingness to pursue diplomatic ties.
However, Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, also known as MBS, has reiterated the Kingdom's stance on establishing diplomatic relations with Israel. MBS emphasized the need for an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital before considering such a move.
Netanyahu, on the other hand, has consistently rejected the idea of a Palestinian state, creating a significant obstacle to potential peace negotiations. Despite these challenges, Netanyahu remains optimistic about the prospect of peace with Saudi Arabia, describing it as a pivotal moment in history.
He emphasized that a peace agreement with Saudi Arabia would not only benefit the region but also lead to a historic reconciliation between the Arab world and Israel, as well as between Islam and Judaism. Netanyahu's call for normalized relations with Saudi Arabia underscores the complex dynamics at play in the Middle East and the ongoing efforts to achieve lasting peace in the region.