Israel and Saudi Arabia on Track for Normalization Deal, Officials Say

Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen expressed optimism that Israel and Saudi Arabia will normalize relations before March 2024, with talks taking place through the Biden administration. Cohen believes that once diplomatic relations are established, more Arab and Muslim states will follow. The agreement will include additional countries and will not use the name "Abraham Accords." The Negev Forum gathering was postponed due to Israel's decision to expand construction in Judea and Samaria, but Cohen hopes that two or three countries without diplomatic relations with Israel will attend when a new date is set. Parts of a planned visa waiver agreement between the US and Israel will be put into action starting in July.