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Buoyed by his success in brokering a cease-fire in Gaza, President Trump has proclaimed that he could soon secure another big foreign-policy win: convincing Saudi Arabia to recognize Israel before the end of the year. But he’s likely to be disappointed. Saudi Arabia’s crown prince, who is planning his first trip to the United States in seven years, has more urgent priorities. For Prince Mohammed, the kingdom’s de facto ruler, establishing relations with Israel is a distant goal that will probably take years rather than months, analysts say. On the prince’s agenda for the state visit, reportedly set for mid-November, is a mutual defense pact that Saudi Arabia and the United States are expected to sign, according to a U.S. official and another person familiar with arrangements for the trip. They said the pact would be similar to a recent security agreement the United States made with Qatar, speaking on the condition of anonymity in order to discuss sensitive negotiations. Saudi Arabia also wants stealthy F-35s — the most advanced American fighter jets — for the kingdom’s air force, according to the two officials. And Saudi officials have been eager to move forward with a potential deal that would give the country access to American technology to develop a civilian nuclear program. Thank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and log into your Times account, or subscribe for all of The Times. Thank you for your patience while we verify access. Already a subscriber? Log in. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
