Saudi Arabia Links Israel Normalization to Palestinian Statehood, Discusses Defense Pact

Saudi Arabia and Israel are not currently friends, and the U.S. wants them to become friends.

But Saudi Arabia is saying it will only agree to be friends with Israel if there's a real plan to create a country for the Palestinian people.

This is important to Saudi Arabia because of how people in Arab countries feel about the situation.

The Saudi leader wants to make sure this plan for the Palestinians is a serious topic before meeting with former President Trump.

Saudi Arabia is also talking to the U.S. about a security agreement, like a promise of help if they get into trouble.

They want this security promise to be very strong and last a long time, but the U.S. is offering something a bit less formal.

This is all happening before a big meeting at the White House, and Saudi Arabia wants to be clear about its conditions.

They also want their own national security needs met.