Amos Hochstein, a former senior adviser in the Biden administration, has disputed claims from Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid regarding Israel’s alleged success in blocking a nuclear agreement between the United States and Saudi Arabia. Hochstein pointed out that the negotiations between Washington and Riyadh were independent and gained traction after the conclusion of the Bennett-Lapid government.
No Israeli Influence on US-Saudi Negotiations
When asked by The Jerusalem Post whether Israel had at any point successfully halted these negotiations, Hochstein firmly stated, “The simple answer is absolutely not.” He emphasized that during his tenure as the lead negotiator for the nuclear aspects of the proposed agreement, both discussions and agreements occurred directly between the United States and Saudi Arabia without interference from Israel or any other country.
Hochstein reiterated that the US negotiated a comprehensive agreement with Saudi Arabia without outside obstruction. “At no time did Israel, or any other country, block that deal,” he clarified, asserting the independence of the negotiations.
Lapid’s Criticism of the Nuclear Agreement
Lapid’s remarks came after he criticized the recent nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia on social media. He labeled the arrangement as “one of the biggest and most dangerous failures of Israeli foreign policy,” claiming it signified a diminishing Israeli influence on American foreign policy. His concerns focused on the implications of Saudi Arabia acquiring uranium enrichment capabilities as part of its civilian nuclear program.
Both during his time as foreign minister and later as prime minister, and now as an opposition leader, Lapid has raised alarms about the potential dangers of such agreements. “While a normalization agreement with Saudi Arabia is positive, it shouldn’t come at the cost of initiating a nuclear arms race in the Middle East,” he had stressed. This urgency stems from long-standing Israeli concerns regarding nuclear proliferation.
American Policy is Independent
Despite Lapid’s strong stance against the nuclear agreement, Hochstein argued against the notion that Israel could dictate or block US foreign policy. He noted, “Israel can express its interests, but it cannot block or initiate any American policy. That is solely the domain of the United States.” This underscores a critical aspect of diplomatic relations: while allies can influence decisions, ultimate authority rests with the individual nations involved.
Hochstein outlined that the discussions that led to the proposed nuclear agreement commenced in earnest in 2023, aiming to foster a broader normalization process between Israel and Saudi Arabia. He highlighted key events, such as President Biden’s trips to Israel and Saudi Arabia in 2022, as pivotal moments that initiated discussions on normalization, although detailed negotiations on nuclear components were not in progress at that time.
A Broader Context of Normalization
The talks surrounding the nuclear agreement belong to a wider normalization framework, as described by Hochstein. These negotiations encompass various sectors, including economic and security arrangements. Each agreement within the normalization framework was handled independently, though unified under the overarching goal of fostering better bilateral relations.
Hochstein expressed lingering support for the concept of a US-Saudi nuclear agreement, provided that it addresses strict nonproliferation norms. He stated, “A nuclear agreement between the United States and Saudi Arabia is positive, so long as it aligns with American standards regarding security and verification.”
In conclusion, while Lapid’s skepticism reflects genuine concerns regarding national security and regional stability, Hochstein’s assertions highlight the complexities of international negotiations, emphasizing how US foreign policy operates within its own framework, often independent of individual diplomatic pressures from allies like Israel.