The Trump administration hopes Israel will “come to that sense” and will sign a ceasefire deal in Gaza, Israeli media reports.
According to Israeli media, senior US officials have reportedly warned that Washington could proceed with a contract with Saudi Arabia without Israeli involvement.
The Jerusalem post reported that an unknown official had met with family members of his still prisoners in Gaza on Monday. During the meeting, authorities said President Donald Trump is increasingly unhappy with Israel’s stance on the stagnant ceasefire talks.
Trump intends to push Saudi Arabia’s deal regardless of Israel’s position, the report on Wednesday said.
The US President is scheduled to visit Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates next week. Meanwhile, Israeli Ambassador to Washington is lobbying the White House to add a short stop to Israel, two Israeli officials told Axios.
According to the Jerusalem mail, US officials said Israel could face “a much heavier price” if they continue to oppose the ceasefire contract.
“President Trump is determined to move forward with key deals with Saudi Arabia, even without Israel’s involvement,” authorities said. “The ceasefire agreement with Houthis is just a prelude. If Israel doesn’t reach the senses, even the “millennium trade” will happen without it. ”
The prisoners of war families said they wanted the conference to put great international pressure on Israeli leaders to act, according to the report. Some attendees said they were surprised by the unusually dull tone from officials as Washington has long been considered Israel’s closest diplomatic ally.
The Trump administration has sought to reconcile regional alliances, focusing on normalizing relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia. “We hope Israel will take the historic train that is already away from the station,” US officials reported. “But the US doesn’t wait on the platform.”
Officials also reflected concerns from families that Israeli military operations could continue.
What is the proposed US-Saudi-Israel deal?
The proposed US-Saudi Arabia-Israel deal marks historical diplomatic changes mediated by Washington, aimed at normalizing the relationship between Riyadh and Tel Aviv.
Based on the controversial 2020 Abrahamian consensus, the agreement will see Saudi Arabia officially recognize Israel.
In return, the US has offered Saudi Arabia a defense agreement and access to advanced weapons, while also urging Riyadh to reduce its growing ties with China and Russia.
Another pillar of the contract includes US support for Saudi Arabia’s private nuclear program, but differences of opinion over uranium enrichment remain unresolved.
While Saudi Arabia had originally insisted on concrete measures towards a two-state solution for Palestinians, recent reports suggest that if the US offers enough in return, it could be settled for symbolic concessions such as expanding the settlement.