Title: Palestinian Authority Proposes Concessions to Saudi Arabia for Potential Israeli Normalization Agreement
Date: [Insert Date]
In a significant development, the Palestinian Authority (PA) has submitted a list of proposals for concessions to Saudi Arabia regarding the Palestinians in the West Bank and Jerusalem. This move is aimed at paving the way for a potential normalization agreement between Saudi Arabia and Israel. According to six American and Israeli sources familiar with the matter, the PA’s proposals include various measures that, if implemented, would bring significant gains for the Palestinians.
One of the key requests put forth by the Palestinian leadership is the transfer of parts of Area C in the West Bank to the civilian control of the PA. Additionally, the PA has called for the opening of an American consulate in Jerusalem and the resumption of negotiations with Israel on the establishment of a Palestinian state.
This marks a departure from the Palestinians’ previous strong reactions against the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain following the signing of the Abraham Accords in 2020. In contrast, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and his advisors have adopted a pragmatic approach, acknowledging that they cannot prevent an Israeli-Saudi normalization agreement. Instead, they seek to utilize the opportunity to attain gains for the Palestinian people.
Hussein al-Sheikh, the deputy to President Abbas, has taken the lead in engaging with Saudi Arabia on this matter. He has been in talks with Mossad al-Ivan, the Saudi National Security Adviser. Sources indicate that al-Sheikh presented al-Ivan with a document outlining the potential measures that could benefit the Palestinians and be requested as part of an agreement with Israel. One principle emphasized in the document is that any Israeli steps should be irreversible in the West Bank.
One proposal presented by the Palestinians suggests that Saudi Arabia urge Israel to change the status of certain parts of Area C in the West Bank. This would entail transitioning from full Israeli civil and security control to a status akin to Area B, where the PA would administer civilian affairs. The Palestinians believe that such a move would expand their territory in the West Bank and foster economic development, while security control would remain in Israeli hands.
Another proposition involves establishing a Saudi consulate in Jerusalem. Recently, Saudi Arabia appointed its ambassador to Jordan as a non-resident consul in Jerusalem. The Palestinians have also put forth ideas for additional steps, such as reopening the American consulate in Jerusalem, increasing recognition of Palestine as a state in UN institutions, and renewing Saudi economic aid to the PA, which was halted a few years ago.
Reports suggest that the Biden administration is aware of the proposals conveyed by the PA to Saudi Arabia. The US government is interested in brokering a comprehensive package deal between Saudi Arabia and Israel before the end of the first quarter of 2024. However, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and right-wing factions in the coalition remain resistant to making significant concessions that could jeopardize the stability of the government.
Barbara Leaf, the US State Department’s head for the Middle East, held discussions with Minister al-Sheikh and the head of Palestinian intelligence in Jordan. They deliberated on the American efforts to facilitate a package deal between Saudi Arabia and Israel. Al-Sheikh is scheduled to visit Saudi Arabia next week to continue negotiations on this matter.
The PA’s proposals have brought the potential of an Israeli-Saudi normalization agreement one step closer. As the parties involved seek common ground, the Palestinians hope to secure significant gains for their people as part of any future agreement while maintaining their commitment to a peaceful resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.