In a comprehensive interview with CBS’s 60 Minutes on Sunday, former US President Donald Trump expressed confidence that Saudi Arabia would normalize relations with Israel, even without the kingdom’s longstanding precondition of a two-state solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. This statement precedes Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s upcoming visit to Washington on November 18, marking his first White House visit since 2018. When questioned about Saudi Arabia’s stance on the Abraham Accords, Trump dismissed concerns, asserting, ‘I think he’s going to join. I think we will have a solution.’ He emphasized the role of Israel and other stakeholders in determining the final outcome, while also highlighting the significance of neutralizing Iran’s nuclear capabilities as a prerequisite for regional stability. Trump referenced his administration’s efforts in brokering a ceasefire in Gaza and his controversial air strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, which Tehran denies had any lasting impact. The interview also touched on Trump’s relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whom he praised as ‘very talented’ but acknowledged pushing on certain issues, including apologies to Qatar and the Gaza ceasefire. Trump’s remarks extended to domestic politics, criticizing New York City’s mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani as a ‘communist’ and threatening to withhold federal funding if Mamdani wins. The former president’s comments underscore his ongoing influence on US foreign and domestic policy, even after leaving office.
‘I think he’s going to join’: Trump says Saudi Arabia will normalise with Israel without two-state solution
