President Donald Trump is intensifying efforts to bring Saudi Arabia into the Abraham Accords, aiming to expand diplomatic ties between Israel and Arab nations amid a fragile Gaza ceasefire. As he prepares to host Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the White House, Trump hopes to leverage shifting Middle East dynamics—such as weakened Iranian proxies and setbacks to Tehran’s nuclear program—to push for normalization. However, Saudi Arabia remains firm in its demand for a clear path to Palestinian statehood, a condition Israel strongly opposes. While Trump’s 20-point Gaza peace plan might serve as a starting point, internal assessments suggest a deal is unlikely in the near term, though officials remain cautiously optimistic about progress by the end of Trump’s second term.
The visit also carries strategic implications beyond diplomacy. Prince Mohammed is expected to seek U.S. military assurances and a deal for F-35 fighter jets, though Trump’s administration is hesitant due to concerns over Israel’s military edge and potential technology leaks to China. The aftermath of the Gaza war, ongoing violence in the West Bank, and regional distrust toward Israel further complicate the normalization push. Analysts suggest Trump’s willingness to support Palestinian statehood could sway Saudi sentiment, but the emotional and political toll of the conflict may stall immediate progress. Despite these challenges, Trump remains publicly confident that Saudi participation could catalyze broader Arab engagement in the accords.