Washington: A recent White House meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) revealed underlying tensions over Israel. While their public appearances suggested a friendly rapport, closed-door discussions became strained, sources told Axios.
Private Talks Turn Tense
According to officials, the dispute arose over the Abraham Accords, a U.S.-brokered initiative aimed at normalizing relations between Israel and several Arab nations. While publicly, both leaders praised each other, Trump reportedly attempted to pressure MBS to join the Accords during private discussions. The Crown Prince, however, resisted, citing domestic opposition and emphasizing the need for a guaranteed two-state solution between Israel and Palestine before committing to normalization.
Saudi Concerns Over Domestic Sentiment
MBS highlighted that Saudi public opinion remains largely hostile toward Israel, particularly in the aftermath of the recent Israel-Hamas conflict. Axios sources noted that the Crown Prince firmly stated that Saudi Arabia would not join the Abraham Accords unless the Palestinian issue is resolved with secure, recognized borders.
The Two-State Condition
A key condition set by MBS involves Israel committing to the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state within a defined and unalterable boundary. While the Crown Prince did not outright reject normalization, he insisted that the resolution of the Palestinian issue must precede any formal agreement.
U.S. Perspective
The White House emphasized that Trump views the inclusion of all Middle Eastern nations in the Abraham Accords as crucial, especially following the cessation of hostilities in Gaza and perceived setbacks to Iran’s nuclear program. However, sources confirmed that MBS remained firm, asserting that Saudi Arabia’s decision will prioritize both domestic opinion and regional stability.
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