US to lift ban on offensive weapons sale to Saudi Arabia: Report

According to a report, the United States is set to lift the ban on selling offensive weapons to Saudi Arabia.

This decision is part of a larger framework of agreements encompassing nuclear energy, security, and defense cooperation, which are intricately linked to the normalization efforts between Saudi Arabia and Israel.

The ban on Offensive Weapons: Initially imposed shortly after President Joe Biden assumed office in 2021, the ban was a response to Saudi Arabia’s military campaign against the Iran-aligned Houthis in Yemen, resulting in significant civilian casualties. Furthermore, the 2018 assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi by Saudi agents played a role in this decision.

Signal of Lifting Ban of weapons sales:

Recent signals from Washington indicate a willingness to lift the ban, as per sources familiar with the matter. Reversal of Houthi Terror Designation: In January 2024, the Biden administration re-designated the Houthis as a terrorist organization due to their attacks on international merchant ships in the Red Sea.

Saudi Arabia stands as the largest purchaser of U.S. arms, with the restrictions being a point of contention. The U.S. restrictions were partially motivated by concerns over Saudi Arabia’s human rights record, including the Khashoggi incident.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken highlighted that the U.S. and Saudi Arabia are nearing the finalization of agreements on nuclear energy, security, and defence cooperation. These agreements form part of a broader strategy to facilitate normalization between Saudi Arabia and Israel. The potential agreement includes clauses for Saudi Arabia to acknowledge Israel, contingent on Israel’s progress towards recognizing Palestinian statehood.

The potential agreements between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia, including the lifting of the ban on offensive weapons sales, are part of a broader diplomatic strategy aimed at normalizing relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel.

These agreements cover areas such as nuclear energy, security, and defense cooperation. The challenges to the peace deal include internal Israeli politics, particularly resistance from far-right members of the cabinet.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s cabinet, particularly concerning the cessation of military operations. This evolving situation signifies significant diplomatic shifts in the region.

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