The Biden administration’s approach to the Middle East reveals notable inconsistencies, particularly in its dealings with Israel and Saudi Arabia. President Biden, who previously called Saudi Arabia a pariah state, is now working hard to finalize a defense treaty with the kingdom. This shift appears driven by a desire to secure a foreign policy achievement before the upcoming elections and to address concerns about Washington’s fear of Chinese involvement in the region. The Biden reelection team is also working hard to win back Democrats who are overwhelming against Biden’s blind support of Israel.
The U.S. holds significant leverage over Israel through its substantial military and economic aid. Despite this, the administration’s attempts to influence Israeli policy, particularly concerning the Palestinian issue, have been largely ineffective. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s right-wing government, along with a substantial portion of the Israeli public, firmly opposes the creation of a Palestinian state. This opposition renders the U.S.’s push for a two-state solution largely symbolic and impractical under current conditions.
The Biden administration’s eagerness to broker a normalization deal between Saudi Arabia and Israel underscores a strategic concern about China’s growing footprint in the Middle East. This concern has shifted Washington’s focus from Asia, previously identified as the primary area of geopolitical competition. The proposed U.S.-Saudi defense pact, similar to the U.S.-Japan security treaty, aims to strengthen ties with Riyadh and limit Beijing’s strategic opportunities in the region.
However, the administration seems to overlook the domestic implications of such a deal within Saudi Arabia. Normalizing relations with Israel is deeply unpopular among the Saudi populace. Historical lessons, such as the assassination of Egyptian President Anwar Sadat after signing a peace treaty with Israel, should caution the U.S. against underestimating potential internal backlash within Saudi Arabia.
The ongoing conflict in Gaza further complicates the situation. The U.S. insists that a cease-fire and a credible pathway to a Palestinian state are essential for normalization between Saudi Arabia and Israel. Yet, Israel’s military actions and lack of genuine commitment to a two-state solution undermine these efforts. The Biden administration’s inability to effectively pressure Netanyahu and his coalition reveals a significant diplomatic shortcoming.
Ultimately, the Biden administration’s Middle East policy is characterized by contradictions and a reactive stance. While it seeks to counter China’s influence and achieve a diplomatic breakthrough, it often sacrifices coherence and long-term stability. The proposed U.S.-Saudi defense pact, which resembles the U.S.-Japan security treaty, includes a formal commitment to defend Saudi Arabia if attacked. In return, Saudi Arabia would grant Washington access to its territory and airspace to protect U.S. interests and regional partners. Additionally, the agreement aims to prohibit China from building military bases in the kingdom or pursuing significant security cooperation with Riyadh.
