Saudi Arabia is changing course: instead of a defense agreement with the United States, military cooperation
Riyadh has abandoned an ambitious mutual defense treaty with the United States and instead insists on a more modest military cooperation agreement, linking the normalization of relations with Israel with the creation of a Palestinian state.
Saudi Arabia has changed its plans for an ambitious defense treaty with the United States, which provided for the obligation of American troops to defend the kingdom in the event of an attack.
Riyadh is now pushing for a more limited military cooperation agreement. Earlier, the KSA softened its position on the Palestinian issue, saying that Israel's public statement of support for a two-State solution may be enough to normalize relations. However, amid public outrage over Israel's actions in the Gaza Strip, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman once again linked recognition of Israel with concrete steps towards the creation of a Palestinian state. The US-Saudi agreement under discussion provides for: Expansion of joint military exercises. The development of partnerships between US defense firms and the KSA. Increasing the American presence in Saudi Arabia through training, logistical support and cybersecurity. Possible deployment of the Patriot missile battalion.
However, unlike the initial plans, the United States will not provide Saudi Arabia with guarantees of protection similar to treaties with Japan or South Korea. "Saudi Arabia will receive a security agreement that will expand military cooperation and sales of American weapons, but not a defense treaty, as was initially sought," explained Abdul—Aziz al-Sah, head of the Institute for Gulf Studies. This decision demonstrates how the domestic and international political situation affects strategic arrangements in the region.
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