Saudi Defense Minister Expected to Visit Washington Monday
Amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, media sources have reported that Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman will visit the White House. This visit comes at a critical juncture, as fears of the Israel-Hamas conflict morphing into a regional war are on the rise.
Scheduled Visit Amid Escalating Tensions
Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman would visit the White House on Monday for critical talks with Biden’s administration. Axios and multiple sources reported and confirmed this visit has been long-planned. However, the timing now aligns with Israel entering the “second stage” of its war against Gaza. Such war is heightening fears of a wider regional conflict.
Agenda of the Visit
Amid Gaza Strip tensions, Khalid bin Salman’s visit discussions are likely to focus on the Israel-Hamas conflict. The talks may explore the conflict’s potential to escalate into a regional war. High-ranking officials like Jake Sullivan, Lloyd Austin, and Antony Blinken would meet with the Saudi Defense Minister.
Broader Geopolitical Implications
The Israel-Hamas clash may hinder Israel-Saudi relations normalization, a key Middle East geopolitical development. Saudi Arabia and other Arab nations have condemned civilian targeting and international law violations in Gaza.
Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman’s White House visit comes amid the escalating Israel-Hamas conflict. The Washington talks aim to address these issues, striving for Middle East stability.
On Saturday,
Saudi Arabia vehemently condemned any ground operations carried out by Israel which pose a threat to Palestinian civilians. The Kingdom voiced its concerns over the inhumane dangers and the blatant violations against international law that these operations entail.
Saudi Arabia’s Stance:
Saudi Arabia, on Saturday, issued a stern warning against Israel regarding any further ground operations in the embattled Gaza Strip, citing the potential threat to Palestinian civilians and denouncing it as an “unjustified” violation.
On 28 October 2023, Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry echoed condemnation, urging immediate global action to halt military operations. This adheres to a UN General Assembly resolution from 27 October 2022.
Impact on Diplomatic Relations:
Earlier in October, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had frozen US-mediated normalization talks with Israel, underscoring the Kingdom’s firm stance against the military escalation in Gaza.
International Community’s Responsibility:
The Kingdom has called upon the international community to abide by its responsibilities in putting an end to military operations, emphasizing the dire need to save innocent lives, preserve infrastructure, and respect international humanitarian law.
It further stressed the importance of enabling humanitarian and relief organizations to deliver urgent assistance to civilians in the Gaza Strip without any hindrance.
