JERICHO : Saudi Arabia which has engaged in US-brokered talks with Israel to potentially normalise relations sent delegation to occupied West Bank for first time in three decades.

It was led by Saudi non-resident Ambassador to Palestinian territories Nayef al-Sudairi, who was to meet Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas and top Palestinian diplomat Riyad al-Maliki.

Delegation which crossed overland from Jordan was first from Saudi Arabia to visit West Bank since 1993 Oslo Accords, which had aimed to pave way for an end to Israel-Palestinian conflict.

Saudi visit comes as Washington has been leading talks between Israel and Saudi Arabia-guardian of Islam’s two holiest sites on normalisation that would mark game changer for Middle East.

Talks include security guarantees for Saudi Arabia and assistance with civilian nuclear programme, according to officials familiar with negotiations who spoke to AFP on condition of anonymity.

Israel in 2020 established ties with United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Morocco, but Saudi Arabia has so far refrained from following suit until Israel’s conflict with Palestinians is resolved.

However, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman last week said two sides were “Getting closer”. In recent months Israel has sent delegations to Saudi Arabia to participate in sports and other events including UNESCO meeting.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told United Nations on Friday that he believes “We are at cusp” of “Historic peace between Israel and Saudi Arabia”.

Published in The Daily National Courier, September, 27 2023

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