Democrats more likely to support Israel-Saudi deal under Biden administration

In recent comments made on a Fox News broadcast, Israeli Ambassador to the United States Michael Herzog discussed the potential for a significant diplomatic deal between Israel and Saudi Arabia, as well as a defense treaty with the United States, during the current transition period in U.S. leadership. Herzog indicated that this period presents a unique opportunity for negotiations, primarily due to the political dynamics in the U.S. Senate. He suggested that Democrats would be more inclined to support such a deal if President Joe Biden were at the helm rather than if President Donald Trump were to return. Herzog underscored the necessity of garnering considerable support in the Senate, requiring 67 votes for the package deal to pass successfully. Herzog expressed his hope that the window for such negotiations remains open, with the Saudis expressing certain political requirements that need to be addressed. The ambassador acknowledged that achieving this deal is contingent on bipartisan backing, particularly favoring a situation where Biden's administration is involved, thereby highlighting the existing political landscape within the Senate. By leveraging the transition period, Herzog asserted that there may be better opportunities for passing the defense treaty and normalization deal, which includes the U.S.-Saudi agreement alongside the Israeli-Saudi relations. In response to host Bret Baier, Herzog quantified the likelihood of such a deal passing through the Senate as approximately 50/50, exemplifying cautious optimism regarding the proposed agreements' viability. He articulated a belief in the importance of collaboration and strategic alignment between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia, as this could serve broader regional stability interests as well. Overall, Herzog's comments reflect a diplomatic push toward fostering strong alliances and securing future regional agreements essential for peace and cooperation. Given the contemporary geopolitical climate, finding common ground through these potential agreements appears pivotal, especially looking ahead to future presidential transitions. The cooperation between these nations, if achieved, might lead to significant diplomatic advancements not only for Israel and Saudi Arabia but also for U.S. interests in the region.