US Calls for Halt to Israeli Judicial Changes amid Saudi Normalization Efforts

In the wake of normalization discussions between Israel and Saudi Arabia, the United States has asked Israel to postpone its controversial legal restructuring. According to a report by Channel 12, the condition for American mediation in the ongoing normalization discussions is that Israel must restart peace negotiations with the Palestinian Authority as well as halt its judiciary reform.

Progress on Normalization: Demands from the US and Saudi Arabia

Negotiations over direct flights between Israel and Saudi Arabia, potentially leading to broader normalization, have been making headlines recently. Israel has consistently pursued such an arrangement, which has generally been turned down by Saudi Arabia. Both the United States and Saudi Arabia have delineated their prerequisites for such an agreement according to Channel 12’s report. These stipulations include prompting Israel to reinitiate diplomatic conversations with the Palestinians, leading to a “separation”. The US is additionally requesting a stop to Israel’s judiciary revamp.

Saudi Arabia: Prioritizing the Palestinian Issue

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman emphasized the significance of the Palestinian issue to Arab nations, stating that it remains a top priority for Saudi Arabia during a recent address to the Arab League. Furthermore, Saudi Arabia’s requests reportedly include the US reviving some arms deals frozen since President Biden’s inauguration and endorsing a civilian nuclear program, alongside a defense pact comparable to NATO.

Rewards for Israel: Full US Backing Against Iran

In return for halting legal reform and re-engaging in peace discussions with Palestinians, Israel would receive full US backing in its actions against Iran’s nuclear weapons program, according to the report. It’s noteworthy that Israel, in 2020, agreed to halt its plan to annex significant sections of the West Bank as part of the Abraham Accords, which normalized relations with the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and subsequently Morocco.

Notable Figures in the Negotiations

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, Mossad chief David Barnea, and high-ranking officials close to bin Salman are said to be participating in the ongoing negotiations. Channel 12 cited an unnamed senior Israeli official who believes a normalization deal could be a “gamechanger for Israeli security”.

Increasing Palestinian Authority’s Role: Saudi Arabia’s Demand

The Saudis reportedly want Israel to transfer certain authorities in the West Bank from the IDF to the Palestinian Authority forces, and grant the PA forces security-related authority at the Temple Mount and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem’s Old City. This request, however, may face resistance from Israel’s conservative government.

Broader Prospects for Normalization

Saudi Arabia’s decision to resume ties with Iran in March, after more than half a decade, was seen as a setback for normalization with Israel. Nonetheless, the Biden administration continues to work on the deal. Foreign Ministry director-general Ronen Levy also discussed a potential deal with Saudi Arabia during his visit to Washington last week. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly stated his aim of reaching a peace agreement with Saudi Arabia that would “effectively end the Arab-Israeli conflict”.