Jake Sullivan to Discuss Saudi-Israel Ties and Gaza Operations in Upcoming Middle East Visit

Jake Sullivan, the U.S. National Security Adviser, is scheduled to visit Saudi Arabia and Israel by the end of this week, with high-stakes discussions on the agenda. In Riyadh, Sullivan's primary focus will be advancing the U.S. effort to broker a normalization agreement between Israel and Saudi Arabia, a potential diplomatic breakthrough that would require significant concessions from both sides.

In his talks with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Sullivan will explore the possibilities of this agreement, which hinges not only on U.S. defense guarantees to Saudi Arabia but also on Israel's commitment to a pathway toward a future Palestinian state—a proposal currently facing resistance from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s far-right coalition partners.

Following his discussions in Riyadh, Sullivan will travel to Israel to meet with Netanyahu. The agenda is set to cover updates from his Saudi meetings and delve into Israel's ongoing military operations in Rafah, Gaza. The U.S. is actively working to prevent an escalation of the offensive, amid concerns about potential high civilian casualties and the further displacement of Gazans.

This visit marks Sullivan's role as a crucial intermediary amid escalating tensions. The U.S. has temporarily halted a shipment of high-payload bombs to Israel, signaling serious concern over the military strategies employed in densely populated areas like Rafah. President Joe Biden has made it clear that further military escalation could jeopardize U.S. military support.

The backdrop of Sullivan’s trip is complex, given the recent resumption of limited military operations by Israel in Rafah, which have led to significant displacement. Nearly a third of Rafah's 1.4 million residents have fled due to the conflict, highlighting the dire humanitarian situation that continues to unfold.

Moreover, discussions will extend to post-war management strategies in Gaza, emphasizing the need for a stable governance structure to prevent chaos and the return of Hamas’s control. The U.S. and Israel are considering involving the Palestinian Authority in some capacity, despite Netanyahu’s reservations about its equivalence to Hamas.

Sullivan's visit is not just a diplomatic mission but also a crucial attempt to manage the fragile balance of power and diplomacy in one of the world’s most volatile regions. The outcomes of these talks could have far-reaching implications for regional stability, U.S. foreign policy, and the lives of millions affected by the ongoing conflict.

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