Saudi Arabia has cautioned the United States (US) about the potential dire consequences of an Israeli ground incursion into the Gaza Strip.
These discussions came following a meeting between 10 US Senators including Sen. Richard Blumenthal, and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh.
Saudi leaders, during these conversations, expressed their hope to avert a ground operation due to concerns about regional stability and the potential loss of lives.
Their warnings were explicit, underlining that such an Israeli ground incursion could prove to be extremely detrimental to the entire Middle East.
These sentiments were reinforced in multiple interactions between senior Saudi officials and their American counterparts.
These discussions occurred in the backdrop of escalating tensions emanating from Gaza, where critical resources like water and fuel have become increasingly scarce.
Israel's response to an attack by Hamas on October 7th has led to a barrage of military actions and a siege on the enclave.
While the US has consistently affirmed Israel's right to self-defence, President Joe Biden also requested Israel to postpone any potential ground invasion.
This delay is aimed at allowing more time for hostage negotiations, facilitating the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza, and improving the planning of military operations.
Furthermore, it appears that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is exhibiting some hesitation about proceeding with a ground invasion.
The White House refrained from commenting on these developments.
In a recent conversation between Crown Prince Mohammed and President Biden, both leaders agreed to pursue broader diplomatic efforts aimed at preserving regional stability and preventing further escalation of the conflict.
While these discussions did not explicitly touch upon a potential ground invasion, they underscored the shared interest in maintaining peace and security in the region.
This diplomatic discourse with Saudi Arabia comes after a period of strained relations between the two nations and ongoing efforts to explore the possibility of Saudi Arabia recognizing Israel and establishing diplomatic ties.
While this endeavour holds significant promise for reshaping the Middle East, it is fraught with challenges.
Historically, many Arab governments, including Saudi Arabia, have held off on diplomatic relations with Israel until the establishment of a Palestinian state.
However, over the past decade, these governments have been reconsidering this stance, factoring in shifting public sentiment, potential economic and security benefits, and the prospects of American support.
