Biden to Urge Netanyahu on Palestinian Concessions for Saudi-Israel Normalization

By Kasturi Chakraborty • 1 week ago

Israelis opposed to a contentious government plan to overhaul the judiciary wave Israeli and American flags during a protest in support of President Joe Biden, who criticized the plan this week, outside of the U.S. Embassy Branch Office in Tel Aviv, Israel, March 30, 2023. (AP Photo)

As part of a broader strategy to secure a normalization agreement with Saudi Arabia, US President Joe Biden is anticipated to push Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on potential concessions to the Palestinians during an upcoming UN meeting. However, Netanyahu’s far-right coalition partners, who are opposed to steps toward Palestinian statehood, may limit the conversation to financial support for the Palestinian Authority (PA).

The PA has expressed several requests, including US backing for the recognition of Palestinian statehood at the United Nations, reopening of the US consulate in Jerusalem serving Palestinians, repeal of congressional legislation classifying the PA as a terror organization, transfer of West Bank territory to Palestinian control, and demolition of illegal outposts in the West Bank.

The US Strategy: Balancing Integration with Palestinian Interests

The Biden administration maintains that the expansion of Israel’s regional integration will not come at the expense of the Palestinians. It argues that improved Arab ties with Jerusalem could advance a two-state solution. The White House acknowledges the need for significant progress toward a two-state solution to garner the support of progressive Democrats for the normalization effort, which may include a major defense pact with Saudi Arabia, a country with a controversial human rights record.

US-Israel Relations: A Test for Democratic Values

This meeting will be the first between Biden and Netanyahu since the latter returned to power in December. Relations between the US and Israel have cooled since Netanyahu’s government, known for its hardline policies, introduced a radical plan to overhaul the judiciary. Biden has warned that such a plan would harm Israel’s democratic principles and the shared values at the core of US-Israel relations. Israel has also upset the US with its settlement construction activities in the West Bank, leading to violent tensions with the Palestinians.

Saudi Arabia’s Aspirations: Defense Pact and Nuclear Program

In exchange for normalizing relations with Israel, Saudi Arabia is seeking a significant defense pact with the US, substantial arms deals, and US cooperation in establishing a civilian nuclear program in Saudi Arabia. Washington, in return, wants Riyadh to reduce its economic and military dealings with China and Russia. It is reported that US and Saudi officials are discussing a potential defense alignment similar to the US agreements with Japan and South Korea.

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Kasturi Chakraborty

Kasturi Chakraborty is a passionate journalist and writer dedicated to amplifying marginalized voices and covering Palestinian affairs, among other important issues. As a correspondent and editorial head, she has contributed to Core Middle East, a Kitchener-based Canadian news outlet, and The Palestine Observer. Her work has gained international recognition, appearing in esteemed publications such as the New Internationalist and Women's Media Center. Prior to her current endeavors, Kasturi accumulated diverse experiences, working at the Embassy of Georgia in India and contributing to prominent Indian media outlets such as the Deccan Chronicle, Daily Pioneer, Indian Economist, Millennium Post, and Sunday Guardian. With a keen interest in international relations, foreign policy, gender, women's issues, international law, and war and conflict, Kasturi remains steadfast in her pursuit of truth and justice through journalism.