Daily Current Affairs : 10-October-2023
The recent escalations between Israel and Hamas have raised concerns about the fate of the deal brokered by the US, aimed at formalizing ties between Saudi Arabia and Israel. This essay explores the intricacies of the deal, its potential benefits for stakeholders, and analyzes how the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict might affect its implementation.
About the Deal
The United States, for months, has been diligently working on a groundbreaking agreement to enhance relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia. Key elements of the deal include:
- Saudi Arabia’s recognition of Israel, a historic move since Israel’s establishment in 1948.
- Saudi Arabia’s long-standing demand for Palestinian statehood.
- A quasi-mutual defense pact between the US and Saudi Arabia, where an attack on the kingdom would be treated as an attack on the US.
- US support for Saudi Arabia’s civilian nuclear program and approval for the sale of advanced weaponry.
- Israel’s assistance in diversifying Saudi Arabia’s economy beyond oil, utilizing its technological expertise.
Benefits for Stakeholders
Israel:
- Economic Benefits: Closer ties with Saudi Arabia, the wealthiest Arab nation, promise significant economic advantages for Israel.
- Recognition: Formal relations would grant legitimacy to Israel in the predominantly Muslim region, establishing it as a prominent player in West Asia.
- Political Gains: The deal could unite Israeli society, offering Prime Minister support amidst internal divisions and controversies.
The United States:
- Containing Chinese Influence: The US aims to curb Chinese influence in the region, using the deal to prevent Saudi Arabia from aligning more closely with China, a rising global power-broker.
- Improving Relations with Saudi: The deal acts as a means to mend strained ties between the US and Saudi Arabia, traditional allies facing recent confrontations.
- Addressing Past Issues: Resolving disputes, such as the Jamal Khashoggi incident, to strengthen diplomatic relations.
Palestine:
- Commitment to Peace: Saudi Arabia remains committed to the Arab Peace Initiative, offering normalized ties with Israel in return for Palestinian statehood.
- Potential Flexibility: While Palestinians aren’t directly involved, there is an indication that a deal might proceed even without complete Palestinian statehood, highlighting evolving dynamics in the region.
Impact of Israel-Hamas Conflict
The ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict poses challenges to the deal:
- Timeline Disruptions: The conflict has caused delays in the deal’s implementation due to heightened tensions and uncertainties in the region.
- Arab World Sympathy: Israel’s counterattack has garnered sympathy for Palestinians in the wider Arab world, potentially affecting the political landscape and public sentiment crucial for the deal’s success.
Important Points:
About the Deal:
- The US aims to formalize ties between Israel and Saudi Arabia, emphasizing Saudi recognition of Israel.
- Key elements include mutual defense provisions, US support for Saudi nuclear program, and approval for advanced weaponry sales.
- Israel’s expertise would help diversify Saudi Arabia’s economy beyond oil.
Benefits for Stakeholders:
Israel:
- Closer ties promise economic benefits and establish Israel as a significant player in West Asia.
- Formal recognition enhances Israel’s legitimacy in the predominantly Muslim region.
The United States:
- Aims to curb Chinese influence, preventing Saudi Arabia from aligning closely with China.
- Seeks to mend strained relations with Saudi Arabia and address past issues for stronger diplomatic ties.
Palestine:
- Saudi commitment to the Arab Peace Initiative remains, offering normalized ties with Israel in return for Palestinian statehood.
- Indicates potential flexibility, suggesting a deal might proceed without complete Palestinian statehood.
Impact of Israel-Hamas Conflict:
- Conflict causes delays in the deal’s implementation due to heightened tensions and uncertainties.
- Israel’s counterattack garners sympathy for Palestinians in the wider Arab world, potentially affecting public sentiment crucial for the deal’s success.
Why In News
The recent tensions between Israel and Hamas have raised concerns about the stability of the deal brokered by the US that would formalize ties between Saudi Arabia and Israel. The escalating conflict adds a layer of complexity to the delicate negotiations, requiring all parties involved to navigate the situation with caution and diplomacy.
MCQs about Navigating the Israel-Saudi Arabia Deal
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How does the US hope to curb Chinese influence in the region through the Israel-Saudi Arabia deal?
A. By supporting Saudi Arabia’s civilian nuclear program
B. By strengthening ties with Saudi Arabia and preventing closer alignment with China
C. By promoting economic cooperation between Israel and Saudi Arabia
D. By facilitating direct negotiations between Israel and Palestine
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What is the primary reason behind Saudi Arabia’s hesitance to formalize ties with Israel in the past?
A. Religious differences
B. Economic concerns
C. Israel-Palestine conflict
D. Political instability
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What role does Israel play in diversifying Saudi Arabia’s economy in the proposed deal?
A. Exporting oil to Saudi Arabia
B. Providing technological expertise to move the economy beyond oil
C. Offering military assistance to Saudi Arabia
D. Establishing cultural exchange programs
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How does the Israel-Hamas conflict impact the implementation of the Israel-Saudi Arabia deal?
A. Accelerates the deal’s progress due to shared concerns
B. Delays the deal due to heightened tensions and uncertainties
C. Has no impact on the deal
D. Strengthens the deal by fostering unity among regional nations
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