Abraham’s agreements, sealed under the auspices of Mr. Trump, established normal diplomatic relations between Israel and several Arab states, including the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain. But Saudi Arabia remains a dodging target, a goal that would go a long way in validating Israel’s status in the region if it formally recognized the Jewish state.
Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan al-Saud appeared optimistic recently about joining the agreements, but argued that progress must first be made in resolving Israel’s long-running conflict with Israel. the Palestinians.
“We have always imagined that there will be full normalization with Israel, and I have said before that full normalization between us and Israel, between the region and Israel, will bring immense benefits,” he said last week at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Swiss. “We will not be able to reap these benefits if we do not address the issue of Palestine.”
Mr Biden had been preparing to end Prince Mohammed’s isolation since October, when he hoped to meet with the Saudi leader at a meeting of the Group of 20 leaders and would most likely shake hands. But the prince did not attend.
The recently planned stop in Riyadh, previously reported by David Ignatius, a columnist for The Post, provoked rapid criticism from human rights groups. They denounced any diplomatic rehabilitation of Prince Mohammed.
“Right now, Biden is plagued by cross-cutting crises, and as a result, certain human rights priorities are suffering,” said Suzanne Nossel, executive director of PEN America, a group that advocates for free speech around the world. “The more difficult it is to put human rights above politics, the more consequential it will be for the world to witness a leader willing to do so.”
A defense group called 9/11 Families United, which represents relatives of the victims of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, sent a letter to the president on Thursday urging him to put pressure on Saudi leaders on ties with the kidnappers. Mr Biden last year ordered the declassification of documents from the 9/11 investigation into Saudi involvement.