Amid deepening regional shifts and ongoing massacres in Gaza, the Israeli occupation has reportedly placed nuclear-related preconditions on any American support for Saudi Arabia’s civilian energy programme — despite the waning link between Saudi-Israeli normalisation and U.S. nuclear cooperation.
According to Israel’s national broadcaster, Kan, Tel Aviv has demanded “clear guarantees” concerning the enrichment of uranium on Saudi soil, citing fears of triggering a regional arms race. The demand is part of an emerging dialogue involving Washington, Riyadh, and Tel Aviv, ahead of a highly anticipated visit by President Donald Trump to the Gulf.
Saudi Normalisation No Longer a Condition for Nuclear Deal
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Multiple U.S. media reports confirm that Washington no longer requires Saudi Arabia to normalise ties with Israel in exchange for greenlighting a civilian nuclear deal. This marks a significant departure from the Biden-era Abraham Accords framework, in which such agreements were often conditional on Israel’s involvement.
Trump is expected to arrive in Saudi Arabia on 13 May, continuing through Qatar and the UAE until 16 May. Notably, Israeli media suggest Trump may skip a visit to Tel Aviv, indicating growing frustration with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his inflexible position on Gaza and Palestinian sovereignty.
Israeli Concerns: Nuclear Guarantees Without Normalisation
The Israeli occupation views the American-Saudi nuclear talks with increasing suspicion, particularly as Riyadh appears unwilling to offer political concessions on Palestine. Israeli analysts fear a scenario in which Saudi Arabia acquires advanced nuclear technology, without first recognising the occupation state — a red line for Tel Aviv.
Israeli sources quoted by Kan say:
“If the U.S. proceeds without securing normalisation, Tel Aviv needs firm technical guarantees to avoid a future nuclear competitor in the Gulf.”
The demand underscores Tel Aviv’s desire to remain the sole nuclear power in the region — despite never signing the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) or opening its own facilities to international inspection.
Riyadh: No Normalisation Without Gaza Ceasefire and Palestinian Statehood
According to leaks from diplomatic circles, Saudi Arabia continues to condition any normalisation with Israel on the immediate cessation of the war on Gaza, and serious political steps toward an independent Palestinian state. Riyadh has privately conveyed that no deal will move forward while Gaza is under siege and West Bank annexation accelerates.
This position sharply contrasts with Netanyahu’s current approach, which openly rejects a two-state solution, supports the expansion of illegal settlements, and seeks to formally annex large parts of the occupied West Bank.
Trump’s Calculations: Sidestepping Netanyahu?
According to Israel Hayom, Trump has expressed deep disappointment in Netanyahu, indicating a desire to pursue independent policy moves in the Gulf — even if Israel refuses to cooperate. The report suggests that Trump believes U.S. strategic interests in the region cannot be hostage to Israeli intransigence, particularly regarding Saudi relations and defence cooperation.
“Trump doesn’t want to wait for Netanyahu anymore,” sources close to the former president said. “There are broader goals in play — especially regarding Saudi Arabia, arms sales, and American influence in the Gulf.”
The Bigger Picture: Gaza Genocide Undermining Normalisation
Since Netanyahu’s renewed military assault on the Gaza Strip, the occupation has been accused by the international community of carrying out genocide against Palestinians — a term increasingly echoed in UN statements, human rights reports, and global protests.
Despite global outrage, Trump has remained a staunch supporter of Netanyahu, providing him with unrestricted political cover since the beginning of his second presidential term in January 2025.
But this unconditional support is now colliding with Saudi red lines, especially as the Kingdom recalibrates its foreign policy away from unconditional American alignment — and toward a more independent stance that reflects Arab and Islamic concerns, particularly on Palestine.
Final Thought: No Nuclear Future Without Palestinian Justice
The Israeli occupation seeks to insert itself into Saudi nuclear policy while continuing its war on Gaza’s children and mosques. But the Muslim world — led by voices from Riyadh to Jakarta — is increasingly unwilling to reward apartheid with recognition or cooperation.
If Tel Aviv insists on preconditions for nuclear progress, then the Ummah must insist on preconditions for normalisation — beginning with the end of the genocide in Gaza and the establishment of a free, sovereign Palestine.
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