Antony Blinken Kicks Off Mideast Tour with Visit to Saudi Arabia

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken’s Mideast Trip Aims to Broker Deal Between Israel and Hamas

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken arrived in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, marking the first stop of his Mideast trip aimed at brokering a deal between Israel and Hamas. The deal would include a pause in Israel’s offensive in Gaza, the release of Israeli hostages, and an increase in humanitarian aid to the Palestinian territory.

The visit to Jeddah comes as the Biden administration seeks to convince Saudi Arabia to establish diplomatic relations with Israel, a move seen as crucial for stabilizing the broader Middle East region.

During his visit, Blinken is scheduled to meet with Saudi Arabian and Egyptian leadership to discuss postwar plans for Gaza and the wider region. The discussions will also touch on the potential for lasting regional peace, including the possibility of brokering a joint agreement between the United States, Israel, and Saudi Arabia.

Such an agreement would likely involve Israel making concessions to the Palestinians in exchange for formal diplomatic relations with Saudi Arabia. In return, the Saudis are seeking support for a civil nuclear program on their soil and increased military assistance from the United States.

The trip comes at a time when negotiators from Israel are meeting with officials from Egypt and Qatar in Doha to work towards a temporary cease-fire in Gaza and the release of hostages held by Palestinian militants.

The potential for Saudi Arabia to establish diplomatic ties with Israel has long been a contentious issue in the region, with many Arab governments, including Saudi Arabia, previously refusing to do so without the creation of a Palestinian state. However, shifting political dynamics and the promise of economic and security benefits have led to a reevaluation of this stance.

By framing the establishment of ties with Israel as a means to advance Palestinian rights, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman may be able to navigate potential backlash from his own population, where support for the Palestinians remains strong.

As Blinken continues his diplomatic efforts in the region, the hope remains that a deal can be reached to bring about a much-needed pause in the violence and pave the way for a more stable and peaceful future for all involved.