Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his satisfaction with the positive tone coming from Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman regarding the ongoing normalization efforts between the two countries.
In an interview with Fox News anchor Bret Baier, Netanyahu stated, “I was delighted to hear what he had to say. I think we’re getting closer to peace every day that passes.”
Netanyahu’s comments were made in response to Baier’s world exclusive interview with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) about the ongoing talks between Saudi Arabia and Israel.
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Fox News chief political anchor and “Special Report” anchor and executive editor Bret Baier, left, interviews Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after his address Friday at the United Nations General Assembly in New York City. (Fox News)
“Every day we get closer, it seems it’s for the first time real. We get to see how it goes,” said the prince.
The prince referred to the potential agreement as “the biggest historical deal since the end of the Cold War,” which would depend on agreements concerning the Palestinians. He emphasized that his country is willing to work with Israel, regardless of who is in power.
“If we have a breakthrough of reaching a deal that satisfies the needs of the Palestinians and brings peace to the region, we’re going to work with whoever is there,” MBS said.
The prince did not provide specific details about what he expects for the Palestinians. Meanwhile, Netanyahu stated that the Palestinians should be involved in the peace process but should not have veto power.
“In the past 25 years, we didn’t see any new peace treaties after making peace with Egypt and Jordan because everyone said we had to meet the demands of the Palestinians before anything could happen,” Netanyahu explained to Baier. “But there was a problem. The Palestinians don’t want peace with Israel.”
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Fox News chief political anchor Bret Baier spoke with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in the royal’s first interview with a major U.S. news network since 2019. (Fox News)
“They want peace instead of Israel. They don’t want a state next to Israel,” added Netanyahu. “They want a state instead of Israel. So that wasn’t going to get us anywhere.”
In his address at the United Nations General Assembly, Netanyahu expressed that both Israel and Saudi Arabia are “on the cusp” of a breakthrough leading to a peace agreement.
Israel has already normalized relations with six neighboring countries, including Egypt and Jordan. The Abraham Accords in 2020 led to four additional nations establishing diplomatic ties with Israel.
“The Abraham Accords marked the beginning of a new era of peace. And I believe that we are on the verge of an even greater breakthrough – a historic peace between Israel and Saudi Arabia,” said Netanyahu. “Such a peace would truly transform the Middle East.”
He acknowledged that there are still obstacles to overcome before a peace agreement can be achieved and urged world leaders to set aside their differences and work together.
“With three leaders and three countries committed to reaching a solution – the United States under President Biden, Saudi Arabia under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and Israel under my leadership – I believe we have a real chance of success,” he stated.
Netanyahu praised MBS as a visionary for the changes happening in Saudi Arabia and the potential for transformation in the broader Middle East.
He also emphasized his firm stance against Iran possessing nuclear weapons. MBS mentioned that Saudi Arabia would need to acquire nuclear weapons for security reasons should Iran obtain them.
“I believe every effort should be made to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons,” Netanyahu asserted.
The prime minister faces significant opposition from his own citizens regarding his controversial judicial overhaul, which has caused divisions within the country. Netanyahu’s coalition argues that an overhaul is necessary to limit the power of an unelected judiciary that they believe wields too much influence.
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Critics argue that the proposed plan, which would weaken the Supreme Court, poses a serious threat to Israeli democracy and concentrates power in the hands of Netanyahu and his allies.
“At present, the supreme court in Israel lacks checks and balances. We must restore some of that balance, but we must do so carefully and responsibly, and that’s exactly what I am doing,” Netanyahu explained.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
