Yossi Schwartz, ISL the section of the RCIT in Israel/Occupied Palestine, 16.08.2023
Lately we see a new imitative of American imperialism in the Middle East. Biden calls it “peace between Israel and Saudi Arabia“. As usual when the imperialists are speaking about peace, we can be sure it is preparation for possible war.
A year ago, Biden arrived at the Al Salam Palace in Jeddah to meet Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. This was part of his strategy to form an alliance between Saudi Arabia-Israel and the USA not only against Iran but against Russian and Chinese imperialism.
The U.S is worried about the growing influence of China not only in Asia and Africa but in the Persian Gulf rich with oil. Biden is also worried about the Netanyahu government rapprochement with China and would like to see the leaders of the opposition replacing the Netanyahu government.
The offered deal would involve Saudi Arabia official recognition of Israel for a lot of new American weapons and there are talks between the American administration and Mohammed bin Salman about creating a Palestinian state in the lands Israel occupied in 1967.
“Saudi Arabia, in return, has demanded NATO-like security guarantees, highly sophisticated arms purchases, and the establishment of an elaborate civilian nuclear program” [1]
Such a deal will make everyone safer (except, of course, for the oppressed masses).
“Washington has been trying to convince Saudi Arabia to limit its economic and strategic cooperation with Beijing, block potential Saudi oil sales in Chinese renminbi that could undermine the US dollar, and end Saudi coordination with Russia to keep oil prices high” [2]
Saudi Arabia is ready for such a deal and it is sending an ambassador to the PA but Israel is not ready to let him open the embassy in Jerusalem. Not to speak of the fact that Israel wants to annex at least 60% 0f the West bank without giving the Palestinian residents citizenship, or even full residency rights.
Jordan and even Egypt support the Pax- American policy and they put pressure on Israel to accept it. “The leaders of Egypt, Jordan, and the Palestinian Authority met for a summit and stressed support for the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative… Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Jordan’s King Abdullah on Monday affirmed their “full support” for Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and urged Israel to fulfill its obligations in accordance with international law and to honor all agreements signed with the Palestinians” [3]
But Israel will not agree to a Palestinian state in any part of the West Bank.
Netanyahu prefers a war with Iran especially now when the American imperialists sent war ships and soldiers to the Gulf of Iran. “Iran has been the scene of several suspected air attacks and sabotage operations since July 2020, largely ascribed to Israel. Any sound of aircraft or explosions usually jolts the population and leads to speculations of another attack taking place” [4]
Thus, the sound of the war drums is getting stronger and stronger. In a war between Israel and Iran or Hezbollah the interest of the international working class is to support the defeat of Israel.
Endnotes:
[1] Marwan Bishara https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2023/8/14/in-the-dragons-shadow-us-peace-dealing-and-wheeling-in-the-middle-east
[2] Ibid
[3] https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-754727
[4] https://www.iranintl.com/en/202302243517