Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has the potential to influence Middle Eastern peace through his leverage over US and Israeli interests. To achieve lasting peace, he needs to secure an Israeli commitment to halt territorial expansion, which complicates Palestinian negotiations. Linking normalization with Israel to this commitment can create a structural change that promotes dialogue and stability in the region.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) holds significant potential to influence Middle Eastern peace, given the US and Israeli interests in a Saudi-Israeli agreement. While the recent Gaza ceasefire is a positive step, achieving lasting peace necessitates Saudi leverage to curb Israeli territorial expansion, which has long fueled the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Current peace efforts are hindered by Israeli security concerns and territorial ambitions that complicate meaningful dialogue with Palestinians.
MBS has an opportunity to redefine the diplomatic landscape by normalizing relations with Israel, which aligns with US objectives. However, merely securing economic benefits for Saudi Arabia while ignoring concessions for Palestinians will not lead to sustainable peace. It is vital for MBS to link any normalization to Israel committing to cease further territorial annexations, a crucial aspect for rebalancing the conflict’s dynamics.
A commitment from Israel to halt expansion would not require immediate sacrifices like land transfers or governance negotiations, but would clarify Israel’s intent toward peace. This clarity is critical for alleviating tensions and could facilitate future dialogue between Israelis and Palestinians. If Israel cannot commit to this, it risks being viewed as an impediment to peace in the region.
Accepting this no-expansion agreement may seem modest compared to the broader aspirations of a two-state solution, yet it offers a critical structural shift necessary for any meaningful negotiation. Recognizing this, Saudi Arabia can leverage its influence to remove disincentives currently faced by Israel, setting a foundation for improved relations.
As discussions evolve post-Gaza ceasefire, attention turns towards potential negotiations involving Syria, but the core of regional stability is contingent on cooperation between Riyadh and Jerusalem. The strategic decisions made by MBS could shape the trajectory of Middle Eastern diplomacy for years to come, underscoring the importance of foresight in these negotiations.
The Middle East has historically grappled with conflict, particularly the Israeli-Palestinian issue, which has served as a central source of regional instability. Recent escalations, including violence in Gaza and the broader implications of Israeli territorial expansion, highlight the urgency of pursuing peace. Within this landscape, MBS’s role is pivotal as a mediator between Israel and Palestine, leveraging Saudi Arabia’s influence in pursuit of a more stable and secure regional order. The concept of a two-state solution—though widely discussed—faces significant barriers due to entrenched positions on both sides, coupled with ongoing territorial disputes that complicate negotiations. MBS’s potential approach to linking normalization with Israel to the cessation of further territorial claims represents a novel strategy aimed at restructuring incentives for peace in the region. Saudi Arabia’s historical position in Islamic leadership and economic clout gives it a unique position to mediate dialogue, yet it faces domestic pressures that could impact its foreign policy decisions. Thus, careful calibration of MBS’s approach is crucial for addressing regional aspirations while maintaining internal harmony and promoting international cooperation.
In conclusion, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman stands at a crossroads in shaping the future of peace in the Middle East. By leveraging Saudi Arabia’s influence to secure a commitment from Israel to cease territorial expansion, MBS can pave the way for more constructive Israeli-Palestinian negotiations. Such a strategy not only serves to further US diplomatic goals but also addresses the underlying issues fueling regional instability, offering hope for a more peaceful future.
Original Source: rusi.org
