Report: Netanyahu promised Saudis to refrain from annexation in exchange for normalization

Since his victory in the last elections, designated Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been in under-the-radar contact with Riyad, through Washington, with the goal of laying the groundwork for a historic agreement between Israel and Saudi Arabia, an agreement which will complete the process which began with the Abraham Accords.

Yedioth Aharonoth commentator Nahum Barnea recently wrote that the stipulations for beginning negotiations are difficult, but the Saudi side is showing interest. "Prince Muhammad Bin Salman (MBS), the acting Saudi ruler, is showing a real willingness to negotiate.

The two nations have moved to direct contact a while ago, and the two are very satisfied with the results," writes Barnea, according to sources in Washington. "The Saudi royal house was involved in the process which brought to the agreements with the UAE. At a certain point, there was even talk of the Saudis joining. The process didn't develop, but it was clear to all that if Saudi Arabia would not give the Emiratis the green light, there wouldn't have been an agreement. READ MORE