Netanyahu: Saudi Arabia normalization with Israel would be 'historic leap'

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed strong approval of a potential U.S.-Saudi civil nuclear agreement, provided it is contingent upon Saudi Arabia normalizing relations with Israel. Netanyahu described such a development as a "historic leap" for peace in the Middle East.

His remarks came after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the approval of a civil nuclear cooperation agreement between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia would be tied to Riyadh's joining the Abraham Accords. Trump stated that the deal would be approved, but only if Saudi Arabia participates in the "very respected and successful Abraham Accords."

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As President Donald Trump also stated, Saudi Arabia's joining the Abraham Accords will be a historic leap forward for peace in the Middle East.

Netanyahu's office issued a statement emphasizing that Trump's initiative to link the nuclear deal to normalization aligns with Israel's vision for regional stability. The statement suggested that the U.S. and Israel's actions against Iran have created an opportunity to expand this "circle of peace."

Reports of the U.S. potentially not conditioning the civil nuclear deal on Saudi normalization had previously caused concern in Israel. Netanyahu's positive reception of Trump's conditional approach signals a strategic alignment between Israel and the U.S. regarding regional diplomacy and the expansion of normalization agreements in the Middle East.

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The civil nuclear agreement between the U.S. Department of Energy and Saudi Arabia (there will be no material enrichment) will be approved, but (this situation) is conditional on Saudi Arabia joining the very respected and successful Abraham Accords.