Current:Home > MarketsNetanyahu tells UN that Israel is ‘at the cusp’ of an historic agreement with Saudi Arabia -WealthMindset Learning
Netanyahu tells UN that Israel is ‘at the cusp’ of an historic agreement with Saudi Arabia
View
Date:2025-04-16 07:11:18
UNITED NATIONS (AP) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told the U.N. General Assembly on Friday that Israel is “at the cusp” of a historic breakthrough leading to a peace agreement with Saudi Arabia.
He struck an optimistic tone throughout his roughly 25-minute address, displaying contrasting maps showing Israel’s isolation at the time of its creation in 1948 and the six countries that have normalized relations with it, including four that did so in 2020 in the so-called Abraham Accords.
“There’s no question the Abraham Accords heralded the dawn of a new age of peace. But I believe that we are at the cusp of an even more dramatic breakthrough, an historic peace between Israel and Saudi Arabia,” Netanyahu said. “Peace between Israel and Saudi Arabia will truly create a new Middle East.”
There are several obstacles in the way of such an agreement, including the Saudis’ demand for progress in the creation of a Palestinian state — a hard sell for Netanyahu’s government, the most hawkish in Israel’s history. The Saudis are also seeking a defense pact with the United States and want help in building their own civilian nuclear program.
Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said in an interview with Fox News this week that the two sides are getting closer to an agreement, without providing much detail about the U.S.-led negotiations. He declined to specify what exactly the Saudis are seeking for the Palestinians.
Netanyahu said the Palestinians “could greatly benefit from a broader peace.”
“They should be part of it,” he said, “but they should not have a veto over the process.”
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, who addressed the General Assembly on Thursday, made no direct reference to efforts to reach a normalization agreement between Israel and Saudi Arabia. But he reiterated the centrality of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which has only worsened since the Abraham Accords were signed.
“Those who think that peace can prevail in the Middle East without the Palestinian people enjoying their full and legitimate national rights are mistaken,” Abbas said.
veryGood! (254)
Related
- A White House order claims to end 'censorship.' What does that mean?
- Elijah McClain case: Trial of two officers begins in connection with 2019 death
- Biden sending aides to Detroit to address autoworkers strike, says ‘record profits’ should be shared
- Michigan police say killer of teen in 1983 is now suspect in girl's 1982 murder; more victims possible
- Former Syrian official arrested in California who oversaw prison charged with torture
- Why officials aren't calling this year's new COVID shots boosters
- 3 men found not guilty in Michigan Gov. Whitmer kidnapping plot. Who are they?
- TikToker Levi Jed Murphy Reveals Why He's Already Ready for His Fifth Round of Plastic Surgery
- Skins Game to make return to Thanksgiving week with a modern look
- New York City mayor gives Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs a key to the city during a ceremony in Times Square
Ranking
- Justice Department, Louisville reach deal after probe prompted by Breonna Taylor killing
- Officials in North Carolina deny Christmas parade permit after girl’s death during last year’s event
- Kansas to no longer change transgender people’s birth certificates to reflect gender identities
- Michigan police say killer of teen in 1983 is now suspect in girl's 1982 murder; more victims possible
- The White House is cracking down on overdraft fees
- Huluween and Disney+’s Hallowstream Will Get Every Witch Ready for the Spooky Season With These Premieres
- Ketanji Brown Jackson warns nation to confront history at church bombing anniversary event
- Naomi Watts Responds to Birth of Ex Liev Schreiber's Baby Girl
Recommendation
Paris Hilton, Nicole Richie return for an 'Encore,' reminisce about 'The Simple Life'
Beer flows and crowds descend on Munich for the official start of Oktoberfest
Beer flows and crowds descend on Munich for the official start of Oktoberfest
Watch SpaceX launch live: Liftoff set for Friday evening at Florida's Cape Canaveral
Jamie Foxx reps say actor was hit in face by a glass at birthday dinner, needed stitches
Media mogul Byron Allen offers Disney $10 billion for ABC, cable TV channels
As UAW strike begins, autoworkers want to 'play hardball'
Why you shouldn't be surprised that auto workers are asking for a 40% pay raise