President Joe Biden suggested that one of the motives behind Hamas’ attack on Israel was to hinder the country’s efforts to normalize relations with Saudi Arabia. Speaking at a fundraising event, Biden stated, “One of the reasons Hamas moved on Israel…they knew that I was about to sit down with the Saudis.” He believes that Hamas launched the deadly assault because the Saudis were on the verge of recognizing Israel.
Previously, Jerusalem and Riyadh had been making progress towards normalization, with Biden’s assistance. During a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Biden expressed his belief that a historic peace agreement between Israel and Saudi Arabia could be achieved under his leadership.
The Saudis had been seeking additional protections and rights for Palestinians as part of their negotiations with Israel. If an agreement had been reached, it could have potentially opened the door for broader recognition of Israel by other Arab and Muslim-majority nations that have historically opposed the country.
However, talks were interrupted when Hamas militants launched an attack from the blockaded Gaza Strip into Israeli towns. The October 7th assault coincided with a major Jewish holiday and led to retaliatory airstrikes by Israel. The escalating conflict has claimed the lives of 1,400 Israelis and 4,137 Palestinians, causing global concern and prompting the US to intervene.
It is worth noting that Hamas also took over 200 hostages following the initial assault.
Focus keyword: Biden, Hamas, assault, Israel, Saudi Arabia deal
