No Saudi defense pact without Israel deal – White House

West Jerusalem’s refusal to consider Palestinian statehood stands in the way of US plan for the Middle East

The US will not enter into a defense agreement with Saudi Arabia unless the kingdom recognizes the state of Israel, US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan has said. However, Riyadh has made any recognition deal contingent on the Israelis agreeing to work toward the formal establishment of an independent Palestinian state.

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