US Says Lapid’s Criticism of Saudi-Israel Deal Meant to Deter Netanyahu from Achieving Diplomatic Breakthrough

Edited by: TJXNews.com

Recent reports of a potential Israeli-Saudi deal have ignited a flurry of opinions and debates, with Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid taking a firm stance against the alleged agreement. The deal, rumored to involve Saudi Arabia’s demand for US support in establishing a civilian nuclear program, has raised significant concerns about regional security and diplomatic dynamics.

Yair Lapid, who previously made headlines for signing a contentious maritime deal with Lebanon during his short stint as a caretaker prime minister, has voiced his reservations about the potential nuclear deal. Speaking to Channel 12 News, Lapid stated that Israel cannot consent to uranium enrichment in Saudi Arabia, citing the threat it poses to Israel’s security. He also emphasized that the security of the region is at stake. These concerns were further emphasized in his discussions with a delegation of visiting Democratic Congress members, where Lapid underscored the potential dangers of the agreement.

In response to Lapid’s criticism, senior US officials dismissed his remarks as politically motivated. They suggested that Lapid’s opposition might be driven by a desire to hinder his political rival, former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, from achieving a significant diplomatic breakthrough. The Likud party, which Netanyahu is associated with, defended him by pointing out Lapid’s past actions, including a deal involving Israeli gas reserves with Hezbollah, and suggested that Netanyahu remains committed to safeguarding Israel’s security and interests.

Nonetheless, Israeli security officials have their reservations about Saudi Arabia’s nuclear ambitions. Foreign Minister Eli Cohen, in an interview with Radio 103FM, proposed an alternative approach – a nuclear defense pact between the US and Saudi Arabia. This pact would entail the US committing to retaliate against Iran if it were to target Saudi Arabia with nuclear weapons, as a substitute for supporting a Saudi nuclear program. This suggestion reflects the complexity of the situation, as it aims to address both Saudi Arabia’s nuclear aspirations and Israel’s security concerns.

As the debate continues, reports suggest that the chances of a successful US-brokered Saudi-Israel deal are relatively low, estimated at around 30-35%. This reflects the intricate challenges and intricate negotiations involved in such diplomatic efforts.

In a separate move, Saudi Arabia appointed Nayef al-Sudairi as its first-ever ambassador to “Palestine.” However, this appointment comes with limitations, as Israel has not allowed the opening of a diplomatic mission to the Palestinians in Jerusalem. This symbolic gesture is believed to be connected to the ongoing speculations about a potential Israeli-Saudi deal. According to Foreign Minister Eli Cohen, the appointment signifies Saudi Arabia’s message to the Palestinians that they are not forgotten amidst these diplomatic deliberations.

The proposal of a nuclear defense pact and the appointment of a Saudi ambassador to “Palestine” add further layers of complexity to the evolving situation. As the world watches these developments unfold, the challenge lies in finding a solution that addresses security concerns while fostering diplomatic progress in the region.