Trump Courts Saudi Arabia on Abraham Accords Amidst Gulf Tour
Former President Donald Trump’s recent visit to the Middle East, his first since commencing his second term, saw him actively lobbying Saudi Arabia to join the Abraham Accords. While anticipating lucrative deals in arms sales and technology investments with the Gulf nation, Trump’s push for normalization between Saudi Arabia and Israel presents a more complex and potentially challenging endeavor.
During an investment forum held in Riyadh on May 13, Trump publicly voiced his aspirations for Saudi Arabia to become a signatory to the Abraham Accords, a series of normalization agreements brokered between Israel and several Arab countries during his initial presidential term. He emphasized the significance of such a move, stating, "It will be a special day in the Middle East, with the whole world watching, when Saudi Arabia joins us, and you’ll be greatly honoring me and you’ll be greatly honoring all of those people that have fought so hard for the Middle East."
Trump’s visit included stops in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, highlighting the region’s strategic importance and the intertwined nature of diplomacy, business, and personal interests. He expressed his "fervent hope" that Saudi Arabia would eventually sign a normalization agreement with Israel, while acknowledging the Kingdom’s prerogative to proceed "in your own time."
The Abraham Accords, signed in 2020, marked a significant shift in regional dynamics by establishing normalized diplomatic relations between Israel and Morocco, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, and Sudan. These nations’ decisions to recognize Israel broke with the long-standing Arab consensus that any formal relationship with Israel should be contingent upon the establishment of a Palestinian state.
Spearheaded by Trump’s son-in-law and senior advisor, Jared Kushner, the Abraham Accords were presented as a pathway to peace between Israel and its neighbors. The name itself emphasizes the commonality of the Abrahamic religions – Judaism, Christianity, and Islam – as a foundation for cooperation rather than conflict. The agreement explicitly aims to "promote interfaith and intercultural dialogue to advance a culture of peace among the three Abrahamic religions and all humanity," through avenues such as diplomacy, science, art, medicine, and commerce.
Following the initial signings by Bahrain, Morocco, UAE, and Sudan, participating nations actively pursued security, trade, and tourism agreements with Israel, solidifying their newfound relationships. The Trump administration and the brokers of the Abraham Accords have consistently expressed interest in Saudi Arabia’s participation since 2020. However, previous attempts to establish diplomatic ties between Riyadh and Israel have not materialized, underscoring the complexities involved.
Saudi Arabia’s potential involvement in the Abraham Accords is a matter of significant geopolitical weight, carrying both opportunities and challenges. For Israel, the inclusion of Saudi Arabia, a major player in the Arab world and the custodian of Islam’s holiest sites, would represent a monumental diplomatic achievement, further solidifying its position in the region. It would also potentially unlock vast economic opportunities, given Saudi Arabia’s immense wealth and influence.
However, Saudi Arabia faces significant considerations in contemplating normalization with Israel. The Kingdom has historically maintained a cautious approach, prioritizing the resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as a prerequisite for normalization. Public opinion within Saudi Arabia also plays a crucial role, with many Saudis remaining deeply sympathetic to the Palestinian cause.
Moreover, Saudi Arabia’s regional rivalry with Iran adds another layer of complexity. Normalization with Israel could be interpreted as a move against Iran, potentially exacerbating tensions in the region. Balancing its strategic interests, religious obligations, and regional dynamics is therefore a delicate act for the Saudi leadership.
While Trump’s visit and public pronouncements highlight the ongoing efforts to persuade Saudi Arabia to join the Abraham Accords, the path towards normalization remains uncertain. The Kingdom’s leadership will carefully weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks, considering the diverse range of factors that influence its decision-making. Trump’s anticipated deals with Saudi Arabia involving arms sales and tech investments may provide some leverage, but ultimately, the decision to normalize relations with Israel will rest on Saudi Arabia’s own assessment of its national interests and regional priorities.
The pursuit of peace and stability in the Middle East is a long and arduous process, and the Abraham Accords represent a significant step forward. However, the ultimate success of these agreements hinges on their ability to address the underlying causes of conflict and to foster genuine reconciliation between all parties involved. The inclusion of Saudi Arabia would undoubtedly amplify the impact of the Abraham Accords, but it is a decision that requires careful consideration and strategic foresight on the part of the Kingdom’s leadership.
