bjbierbaum

Saudi Arabia will move to normalize relations with Israel within 2 weeks from this writing, and will formally join the Abraham accords by August 2025. The hard-line negotiation tactics of Donald Trump in proposing a "Riviera" plan for Gaza are certain to stir anger among Arab and Muslim populations, forcing leaders such as MBS into a hard position but with an obvious out. Trump (as well as European nations such as Germany) are indeed already courting MBS including him in the headlines for several important meetings, as well as one of Trump's first phone calls and future negotiations between the US and Russia on Ukraine. The stick is purposeful destabilization of the region by allowing Netanyahu, whose career has been saved by Trump, to go all-out in clearing Gaza in what will certainly be considered ethnic cleansing. The carrot is a seat at the table and further visibility for Saudi Arabia as a regional power, and a possible ally in Israel against future tensions with Iran. The signs are already there, with Saudi Arabia and Israel both being announced as formal parts of the India-Italy trade route that has recently been announced.