Saudi Arabia Rethinks US Defense Ties Amid Israel Standoff

Saudi Arabia has shifted its focus from pursuing a comprehensive defense treaty with the U.S. in exchange for normalizing relations with Israel to seeking a more modest military cooperation agreement. This change comes amid heightened regional tensions over Israel's actions in Gaza and domestic opposition in both Saudi Arabia and Israel. The proposed agreement would enhance military cooperation without obligating U.S. defense in case of an attack, and it aims to be finalized before President Biden leaves office. The situation is further complicated by the potential return of Donald Trump, who may influence Saudi-Israeli relations.