Concern in Ramallah about the rapprochement between Israel and Saudi Arabia Israel today

In Ramallah, there are fears of rapprochement between Israel and Saudi Arabia, following various publications on the subject.

However, the Palestinians do not dare to speak out publicly on this sensitive issue and attack the Saudi monarchy, mainly so as not to provoke the anger of those sitting in Riyadh and deteriorate relations with them, which are already undermined.

The Palestinian leadership is concerned about moves of normalization between the states, which will not include guarantees on the Palestinian issue.

"The concern is growing in light of reports of a significant rapprochement between Israel and Saudi Arabia ahead of US President Joe Biden's visit to the region on July 13.

The leadership cannot tolerate the idea that Israel is advancing its relations with the Arab states even before the resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, in what constitutes a violation of the Arab peace initiative of 2002, which Saudi Arabia led and which the Arab League adopted.

"The fear is that the heir to the throne, Muhammad bin Salman, will leave the Palestinians behind," Palestinian sources said.

Do not despair.

Abu Mazen, Photo: Reuters

Only on Tuesday did Foreign Minister Yair Lapid say: "The fact that President Biden will fly directly from here to Saudi Arabia signals an improvement in relations in the region. In the end, we are striving to reach a peace agreement with Saudi Arabia."

It should be noted that in the past year there have been attempts by the top Palestinian leadership to warm relations with the monarchy and organize joint meetings, but Saudi Arabia has not expressed much enthusiasm and even angered the Palestinians' attitude towards the UAE following the Abrahamic agreements.

Recall that the Palestinian Authority at the time came out against the move and called it "betrayal and stabbing in the back."

Task: Relating to a relationship

Historically, relations between Ramallah and Riyadh have been good and strong.

Even when Arab countries stopped supporting the PA financially, Saudi Arabia continued to make $ 25 million a year in donations.

But during the time of the current regent, Muhammad bin Salman, the Saudi attitude changed and relations with Ramallah deteriorated.

Also, the policy of former US President Donald Trump added to the tension.

Next month he will visit Israel.

President Biden, Photo: Reuters

The harsh words and criticism of former Saudi ambassador to Washington, Bender bin Sultan, over the conduct of the Palestinians in negotiations over the years, was one of the first signals of precipitation.

At the same time, further statements by the Saudis began to appear, accusing the Palestinians of rejecting proposals and missing opportunities for peace.

Another thing that clouded the atmosphere was Hamas' activity in Saudi territory.

It will be recalled that the Saudi authorities have taken action against dozens of Hamas members.

Lose Saudi Arabia

Now, the Palestinians are afraid of losing Saudi Arabia, in what could increase their isolation in the Arab world.

"If there is normalization between Israel and Saudi Arabia, it will be an earthquake for the leadership," the sources said, adding: "They are convinced that as long as King Salman is present, Saudi Arabia will not be able to declare full and open relations with Israel. "There is a fear that as the king's power weakens, the son will take over and make peace with Israel."

Improving relationships.

Bennett, Photo: Oren Ben Hakon

Despite the apprehension, this does not mean that in the Palestinian leadership they are desperate and their efforts to strengthen the relationship continue.

In Ramallah, they do not hide their strong desire on the political horizon, but understand that before that they must restore relations with the Saudis.

The understanding is that as the tensions between Washington and Riyadh subside, so will the PA's chances of rebuilding its relations with the Saudis. In this respect, the Palestinians see the Americans as a kind of mediator in the "sulha" between Ramallah and Riyadh.

More about Israel-Saudi relations in Ariel Kahana's interview with US Ambassador Tom Nides on "Israel This Week"

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