Trump's Abraham Accords and Saudi Arabia's Involvement
Former President Donald Trump’s Abraham Accords were a significant diplomatic achievement, normalizing relations between Israel and several Arab nations, including the UAE, Bahrain, Sudan, and Morocco. However, Trump’s ultimate goal was to bring Saudi Arabia into the fold due to its geopolitical significance as the custodian of Islam's holiest sites and a major oil exporter. Despite informal talks, the kingdom conditioned any deal on progress regarding Palestinian statehood. The situation came to a halt after Hamas' attack on Israel in 2023, which stalled peace efforts. Now, with Trump potentially returning to office, questions arise about whether he can successfully broker a deal with Saudi Arabia.

Shift in Regional Dynamics and Saudi Conditions
The political landscape in West Asia has evolved significantly since Trump’s tenure. Saudi Arabia, which had previously focused on countering Iran's regional influence, made a strategic shift with its rapprochement with Iran in 2023. This shift reduced the urgency for Riyadh to normalize relations with Israel, especially as the Palestinian issue remains a significant point of contention. Saudi Arabia has insisted that peace with Israel is contingent on the establishment of a Palestinian state, a condition that has become more difficult to navigate due to the ongoing violence in Gaza and public sentiment against Israel across the Arab world.

Challenges to Expanding the Abraham Accords
The Abraham Accords, while heralded as a breakthrough in Middle Eastern diplomacy, have faced challenges in terms of broad regional acceptance. Public opinion in many Arab countries, including Saudi Arabia, remains strongly opposed to normalizing relations with Israel. Additionally, political instability within Israel, notably the far-right government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, complicates the peace process further. While Trump’s return to office might reignite efforts to expand the Accords, significant obstacles remain, including the unresolved Palestinian issue, Israel’s domestic politics, and the broader geopolitical landscape of the region.