But the other part of the deal, which is seen as critical to winning support in Congress, is for Saudi Arabia to normalize relations with Israel.
There are a lot of “ifs” and “provided thats” in this equation that seem most unlikely today.
As a result, the U.S. and the Saudis are considering finalizing the deal and taking it to Congress with the stated proviso that Saudi Arabia will normalize relations with Israel the minute Israel has a government ready to meet the Saudi-U.S. terms.
Hopefully, though, if there can be a permanent end of fighting and a return of all Israelis taken hostage, Israel will hold new elections.
And then — maybe, just maybe — the choice on the table for Israelis will not be Bibi or no Bibi, but Bibi or a credible pathway to peace with Saudi Arabia and the Palestinians.
Persons:
Biden, Israel, “, Netanyahu, Bibi
Organizations:
U.S, West Bank, Palestinian, Saudi, New York, Facebook
Locations:
U.S, Saudi Arabia, Japan, Taiwan, Israel, Gaza