Saudi Arabia Shifts Focus to Military Cooperation

Saudi Arabia has shifted its focus from pursuing an ambitious defense treaty with the U.S. to negotiating a more modest military cooperation agreement, primarily due to escalating tensions in the Middle East and public anger over Israel's actions in Gaza. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has made recognition of Israel conditional on concrete steps toward establishing a Palestinian state, complicating normalization efforts. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains eager for normalization but faces significant domestic opposition to concessions regarding Palestine. The new agreement would enhance joint military exercises and partnerships between U.S. and Saudi defense firms while attempting to curb China's influence. Both nations hope to finalize this pact before President Biden's term ends in January, avoiding the need for Senate approval that a full treaty would require. The situation reflects Saudi Arabia's balancing act between strengthening ties with the U.S. and addressing regional dynamics, particularly with Iran.