Watan-The British newspaper “Financial Times” revealed that Arab countries intend to propose an initiative regarding a ceasefire in the war that Israel is waging on the Gaza Strip.
The newspaper stated that the initiative includes the release of prisoners and detainees, including Israelis, in Gaza as part of a broader plan to normalize relations with Israel, if Israel agrees to steps toward establishing a Palestinian state.
Quoting a senior Arab official, the newspaper reported that they hope to present the plan, which may involve formalizing relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel, within a few weeks in an attempt to stop the war and potentially expand it into a regional conflict.
A prisoner exchange deal was scheduled to be proposed
Relatedly, the Israeli army radio reported that Egypt or Saudi Arabia was supposed to present an Israeli plan for a prisoner exchange deal. However, after the Israeli political leadership laid out the “principles” of the plan, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu opposed it, considering it would lead to a ceasefire.
The newspaper noted that Arab officials discussed the plan with the US administration and European governments. This would include Western countries officially recognizing the Palestinian state or supporting Palestinians’ full membership in the United Nations.
Saudi Arabia is ready for normalization
Saudi Arabia is ready for normalization, as stated by Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan. He responded affirmatively when asked if Riyadh would recognize Israel as part of a broader political agreement, stating, “Certainly.” He added at the World Economic Forum in Davos, “We agree that regional peace includes peace with Israel, but that can only happen through peace for the Palestinians through a Palestinian state.”
Netanyahu rejected the normalization proposal from Blinken
Earlier, the Times of Israel reported that Netanyahu rejected a proposal from US Secretary of State Antony Blinken that involved Saudi Arabia normalizing relations with Israel in exchange for Israel agreeing to provide the Palestinians with a path towards establishing a Palestinian state.
Netanyahu informed Blinken during his recent visit to Israel that he was not prepared to reach an agreement allowing the establishment of a Palestinian state.
Blinken responded that Hamas could not be removed through military means alone and that the failure of Israeli leaders to acknowledge this would lead to a repetition of history.
According to the newspaper, Blinken presented the proposal to Netanyahu after obtaining commitments from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and four other Arab leaders to assist in financing the reconstruction of Gaza after the war and supporting the return of the Palestinian Authority to the sector after its reform.