Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) encouraged former President Donald Trump to support a significant deal President Joe Biden is negotiating with Saudi Arabia.
What Happened: The comprehensive deal by the Biden administration could involve a U.S.-Saudi defense treaty, needing support from two-thirds of the Senate. Given the critical views many Democrats hold of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Biden may have to rely on Republicans for support, Axios reported.
This deal could potentially lead to a historic peace agreement between Saudi Arabia and Israel.
“I told President Trump, listen, this is the natural extension of the Abraham Accords and if we can do it, let’s do it. It doesn’t matter how it gets done, on whose watch it gets done. It’d be a good thing for the stability of the Middle East and our own national security and President Trump deserves his fair share of credit,” Graham said.
Why It Matters: Trump’s vocal opposition could significantly harm Biden’s chances of attracting Republican support. The former president, who brokered the Abraham Accords and maintained a close relationship with Saudi Arabia, has been briefed about the deal by Graham.
Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law and the chief architect of the Abraham Accords, also urged the former president to support Biden’s potential deal, according to two sources with knowledge of the issue.
“Jared Kushner has been very helpful. He had some ideas for the Palestinians (in the context of an Israeli-Saudi deal). I know that he’s offered to help, I think the White House sees him as helpful,” Graham said.
The Biden administration reportedly wants to complete its diplomatic push with Saudi Arabia before the 2024 campaign, but several obstacles remain. These include the potential U.S.-Saudi defense treaty, support for a civilian nuclear program in Saudi Arabia, and Israeli concessions to the Palestinians.
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