In June 2023, reports emerged that the United States is lobbying heavily for Saudi Arabia to finally recognise Israel. If it were to happen, it would be a huge diplomatic victory for Washington and would have the potential to transform the international relations of the Middle East. But reports suggest that Riyadh is asking for a high price to normalise relations with Israel. So, could it really happen? And just how significant would it really be? Since it declared independence in 1948, Israel has faced deep hostility from the Arab world and most of the broader community of Muslim states. Indeed, for the first thirty years of its existence, it faced several major attacks from its Arab neighbours, including Saudi Arabia. However, while few Arab states would now consider a war against Israel, many remain implacably opposed to the Jewish state. Even today it is still not recognised by 27 countries. Arguably, the most important of these is Saudi Arabia. As the spiritual heartland of the Islamic faith, it carries significant moral and political sway over many other members of the Arab League. This makes it a valuable prize for the Biden Administration, which has been desperately trying to build on the diplomatic success of the Trump administration, which secured four new recognitions for Israel in 2020, including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan, and Morocco. But while diplomatic efforts continue, Riyadh appears to be asking for some major concessions in return for recognition. *MY NEW BOOK!* Secession and State Creation: What Everyone Needs to Know Oxford University Press Amazon *SUPPORT THE CHANNEL* Hello and welcome! My name is James Ker-Lindsay, and here I take an informed look at International Relations, conflict, security, and statehood. If you like what you see, feel free to subscribe. If you want more, including exclusive content and access to the channel Discord server, please consider becoming a Channel Member or support me through Patreon. I would greatly appreciate your support. Thank you! SUBSCRIBE FOR FREE BECOME A CHANNEL MEMBER JOIN MY PATREON PAGE *VIDEO CHAPTERS* 00:00 -Introduction and Titles 00:41 Israel, Statehood and Recognition 01:49 Saudi Arabia: Location and Population 02:32 Arabia and the Birth and Expansion of Islam 03:26 The Emergence of Saudi Arabia 04:35 Arab-Israeli Wars, 1948-1973 06:49 First Steps Towards Arab-Israeli Peace 08:39 Arab-Israeli Relations, 2000-2022 09:57 Israel and the Abraham Accords 11:57 Will Saudi Arabia Recognise Israel? 13:28 The Significance of Saudi Arabian Recogntion *SOURCES AND FURTHER READING* Saudi Arabia | Ministry of Foreign Affairs Israel | Ministry of Foreign Affairs US States Department *EQUIPMENT USED TO MAKE THIS VIDEO* *MAPS* The Map Archive | *DISCLAIMERS* - The contents of this video and any views expressed in it were not reviewed in advance nor determined by any outside persons or organisation. - Some of the links above are affiliate links. These pay a small commission if you make a purchase. This helps to support the channel and will be at no additional cost to you. #SaudiArabia #Israel #UnitedStates #Recognition
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