Part 8/10:
Security remains a cornerstone of the alliance. The U.S. and Saudi Arabia have long maintained a security deal where the Saudis sell oil at favorable prices, and in return, the U.S. provides military protection. However, MBS seeks to deepen this relationship, pressing for a formal defense pact. A significant hurdle is Riyadh’s push for normalization with Israel, which involves persuading the Israeli government to commit to Palestinian statehood—a stance that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu opposes.