On Track for Geopolitical Shifts in the Middle East: Analyzing the Prospects of Israel-Saudi Arabia Normalization

By: E. Mahdavi

The clandestine negotiations on normalization between the Zionist regime and Saudi Arabia have sparked international interest. While official normalization has not yet been achieved, unofficial relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia have quietly developed over the past seven years, involving cooperation between Saudi Arabia, Israeli intelligence agency, the Mossad, and the Zionist regime’s Prime Minister's Office. Recent developments suggest that the Zionists are also seeking cooperation with Riyadh in the field of renewable energy, particularly solar electricity. Moreover, a significant proposal has emerged concerning the railway connection of the occupied Palestinian territories to Saudi Arabia, raising questions about its implications and motives. This article delves into the multifaceted aspects of these developments and their potential impact on the region.

The Solar Energy Cooperation:

News reports have highlighted the collaboration between the Israeli company Solar Edge and the Saudi company Ajlan & Brothers Holding in the realm of solar electricity. The objective of this partnership is to provide Saudi Arabia with renewable energy sources, ultimately reducing its dependence on oil by the end of the decade. Such a move aligns with Saudi Arabia's broader vision for sustainable development and diversification of its energy resources.

The Ambitious Railway Project:

The Zionist regime's recent announcement of a massive $27 billion railway project is set to connect remote areas to Tel Aviv and establish rail links with Saudi Arabia. This ambitious expansion of the existing railway network signifies a significant infrastructural endeavor with potential geopolitical implications. Israeli leaders, including former Foreign Minister Israel Katz, have previously proposed a railway line that would connect the occupied land of Palestine and Saudi Arabia through Jordan and other Arab countries in the Persian Gulf, presenting it as a "railway for regional economic peace."

Netanyahu's Motives and Saudi Arabia's Conditions:

Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli Prime Minister, aims to leverage the implementation of the railway connection plan to soften Saudi Arabia's conditions for normalization. These conditions include a security agreement with the United States, access to modern weapons, nuclear capability, and recognition of the state of Palestine. However, accepting these conditions poses challenges for the Israeli government, as they could jeopardize the stability of Netanyahu's coalition government.

Geopolitical Implications and Regional Dynamics:

The completion of the railway connection would not only strengthen economic ties between Saudi Arabia and Israel but also fulfill Saudi Arabia's dream of establishing land connections with European countries. Additionally, bypassing the Bab al-Mandab strait and the Yemeni coasts, which face security threats from the Yemeni Ansarullah forces, and the Strait of Hormuz, currently under Iranian control, could enhance regional security and stability.

The Road to Normalization:

Given the current conditions set forth by Saudi Arabia, the prospects of official normalization between Saudi Arabia and the Zionist regime appear unlikely. Saudi Arabia seeks significant concessions, including the recognition of the state of Palestine and a resolution to the Palestinian issue. The Netanyahu government faces a delicate balancing act, as accepting these conditions could lead to political fallout domestically. It is worth noting that Saudi Arabia has expressed dissatisfaction with the right-wing government of the Zionist regime.

Conclusion:

Israel's ambitious railway connection plan and other potential economic and commercial collaborations between Riyadh and Tel Aviv aim to create an environment where Saudi officials may be more inclined to agree to normalization, despite their current stringent conditions. The evolving dynamics between Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the wider region will continue to shape the possibilities and challenges surrounding official normalization, highlighting the complex web of geopolitical interests and regional aspirations. As these talks and negotiations progress, the world watches with anticipation to see the ultimate outcome and its impact on the Middle East.