In an unprecedented move, the United States and Saudi Arabia are on the verge of finalizing a groundbreaking bilateral agreement, marking a significant step towards normalizing relations between the Kingdom and Israel. A source familiar with the matter revealed that the two parties are just days away from concluding the necessary documentation for this historic deal, which has been a top priority for President Joe Biden.

A meeting held in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, between National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman on Saturday resulted in substantial progress, a U.S. official confirmed. The draft agreement, described by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs as "nearly final," comprises various components aimed at strengthening ties between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia, including defense guarantees and civil nuclear cooperation.

This development comes at a crucial time when China is actively seeking to expand its influence in the Middle East, making it imperative for the Biden administration to solidify its alliance with Saudi Arabia. However, a crucial aspect of the agreement is contingent upon the establishment of a pathway to a Palestinian state, adding complexity to the negotiations.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized that achieving a peaceful resolution requires "calm in Gaza" and a "credible pathway to a Palestinian state". To address this, Sullivan and other U.S. officials are set to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss the proposed deal during their visit to Israel.

Saudi Arabia has made it clear that progress toward normalization with Israel is dependent on a two-state solution, which includes Palestinian self-rule in both the West Bank and Gaza. The recent humanitarian crisis in Gaza arising from Israeli military action in response to Hamas attacks has further highlighted the urgent need for a resolution.

While Netanyahu's longstanding opposition to a Palestinian state raises doubts about his willingness to compromise, the domestic political landscape in Israel may play a significant role in determining the outcome. Unity war cabinet ministers have publicly questioned Netanyahu's Gaza strategy, with Minister Benny Gantz threatening to quit if key decisions are not made by June 8. Furthermore, Gantz's engagement with Sullivan suggests his involvement in the discourse surrounding the Saudi agreement.

The Biden administration hopes that Netanyahu, despite his precarious political situation, will recognize the significant security and diplomatic benefits of normalizing with Saudi Arabia and be motivated to make concessions on the Palestinian issue. However, right-wing members of his coalition government, who advocate for the expansion of Israeli settlements and control over the West Bank and Gaza, may present a challenge.

Completing the agreement within a limited timeframe is crucial due to the approaching end of the Congressional calendar. The deal will require approval from lawmakers, with Democrats, who have expressed concerns about Saudi Arabia's human rights record, having been assumed to be more skeptical. Surprisingly, Republican Senator Lindsay Graham, a close ally of former President Trump, has also been pushing for this diplomatic breakthrough, which builds upon the framework of the Trump-era Abraham Accords.

While Trump could potentially pursue an Israel-Saudi deal if he wins the general election in November, it may prove difficult to secure approval from Democrats. Nevertheless, Trump has repeatedly touted his achievements in the region during his 2024 presidential campaign.

As the United States and Saudi Arabia inch closer to securing this historic bilateral agreement, the region and the world watch with anticipation to see if this milestone can be achieved, potentially transforming the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East.