WASHINGTON (AP) — President stated on Friday that he believed Hamas was motivated to attack Israel due in part to its opposition to Israel’s normalization of relations with Saudi Arabia.
“One of the reasons … why Hamas moved on Israel, is because they knew I was about to sit down with the Saudis,” Biden said at a campaign fundraiser. The U.S. president indicated that he believes Hamas militants launched a deadly assault on Oct. 7 because, “Guess what? The Saudis wanted to recognize Israel” and were close to formalizing their recognition.
Jerusalem and Riyadh had been steadily approaching normalization, with Biden working to facilitate their rapprochement. In September, during the Group of 20 summit in India, plans were announced to cooperate on a shipping corridor.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with Biden in September during the U.N. General Assembly, expressing his belief that, under Biden’s leadership, a historic peace between Israel and Saudi Arabia could be achieved.
The Saudis insisted on protections and expanded rights for Palestinians as part of any broader agreement with Israel. Such an agreement would have been a diplomatic achievement, potentially leading to increased recognition of Israel by other Arab and Muslim-majority nations.
However, the talks were disrupted when Hamas militants launched attacks on Israeli towns from the blockaded Gaza Strip where Palestinians reside.
The Oct. 7 attack coincided with a major Jewish holiday and escalated tensions, resulting in retaliatory airstrikes by Israel. The conflict has caused global concern as both Israeli and Palestinian casualties continue to rise.
The push for normalization began during the Trump administration, known as the Abraham Accords. While it aims to reshape the region and improve Israel’s standing, critics argue that it overlooks Palestinian aspirations for statehood.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken suggested that the Hamas attacks were partially aimed at undermining the United States’ efforts in achieving diplomatic relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia.
An agreement between Jerusalem and Riyadh would be a significant achievement for Biden, Netanyahu, and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
