U.S. and Saudi Arabia near potentially historic security deal.

The U.S. and Saudi Arabia are close to finalizing a historic agreement that would also work towards normalizing Saudi-Israeli relations, a key goal for President Biden. Progress was made in a meeting between U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman. The agreement involves U.S.-Saudi defense and civil nuclear cooperation, and normalization between Saudi Arabia and Israel, contingent on a pathway to a Palestinian state. This component demands Palestinian self-rule in the West Bank and Gaza, crucial for Saudi approval. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s stance on a Palestinian state is uncertain amid domestic political pressure. The deal also faces a tight timeline in the U.S. Congress and skepticism from Democrats regarding Saudi human rights issues.