Trump's Unfinished Middle East Quest: The Saudi-Israel Normalisation Dilemma

Donald Trump, during his visit to Riyadh, faces challenges in achieving Saudi-Israel normalisation amidst ongoing Gaza conflict. U.S. officials are pressing for a ceasefire in Gaza, a Saudi condition for resuming talks. The geopolitical landscape remains tense, with economic partnerships overshadowing diplomatic breakthroughs.

As U.S. President Donald Trump arrives in Riyadh, plush ceremonies and lavish pledges of $1 trillion in investments await. Yet, the war in Gaza thwarts Trump's pursuit of Saudi-Israel normalisation. Behind closed doors, U.S. officials urge Israel to implement a ceasefire, aligning with Saudi preconditions for any diplomatic advancement, a U.S. official reveals.

Trump's Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, expressed optimism to audiences at the Israeli embassy in Washington, anticipating progress in expanding the Abraham Accords soon. This diplomatic effort, brokered by Trump earlier, gained recognition for Israel from various Arab states. However, resistance from Israel's Prime Minister Netanyahu towards halting the war or recognising a Palestinian state complicates Riyadh's engagement, according to insiders.

The Saudi-Israel normalisation issue, beyond a mere diplomatic milestone, intertwines deeply with Saudi Arabia's national security concerns. Saudi Arabia prioritises Gaza's war resolution and a credible Palestinian state-building roadmap. In the interim, discussions between Washington and Riyadh pivot to economic collaborations, including significant investments in arms, mega-projects, and artificial intelligence.

(With inputs from agencies.)