US May Push Forward Saudi Deal Without Israel Amid Frustration Over Ceasefire Stalemate

A senior US official has reportedly warned that the Trump administration may proceed with a landmark agreement with Saudi Arabia without Israeli participation, unless Israel adjusts its stance on the stalled Gaza ceasefire negotiations, Al Jazeera reports.

According to a report by The Jerusalem Post, the unnamed official delivered the message during a private meeting on Monday with families of Israeli hostages still held in Gaza. During the conversation, the official conveyed growing frustration in Washington, particularly from President Donald Trump, over Israel’s resistance to proposed truce terms.

“President Trump is determined to move forward with a significant deal with Saudi Arabia, even without Israeli involvement,” the official reportedly told the group. “The ceasefire agreement with the Houthis is just a prelude. If Israel doesn’t come to its senses, even the ‘Deal of the Millennium’ will happen without it.”

The comments represent a rare public indication that the US might be prepared to sideline Israel in its broader regional diplomatic strategy, which has centered on normalizing ties between Israel and key Arab states. Israel’s ambassador to Washington is said to be urging the White House to include a stop in Israel during Trump’s upcoming trip to the Middle East, which includes visits to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.

Some of the families present at the meeting told The Jerusalem Post they were surprised by the direct tone of the US official, which they interpreted as a shift from Washington’s traditionally unwavering support for Israel.

The official reportedly expressed concern that ongoing Israeli military operations in Gaza could further endanger hostages, echoing fears voiced by relatives.

“We hope Israel will board the historic train that has already left the station,” the official said. “But the US will not wait at the platform.”

Proposed US–Saudi–Israel Agreement

At the heart of the diplomatic push is a US-brokered proposal to normalize relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel, an effort that builds on the 2020 Abraham Accords. The agreement would see Riyadh formally recognize Israel — a significant shift from its past insistence on a full Israeli withdrawal from occupied Palestinian territories as per the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative.

In exchange, the United States would offer Saudi Arabia a mutual defense pact, expanded access to US weaponry, and support for a civilian nuclear program. Washington would also encourage Saudi Arabia to curb its growing strategic ties with China and Russia.

While Saudi Arabia previously tied normalization to concrete progress toward a two-state solution, more recent reports suggest Riyadh may accept symbolic gestures — such as a freeze on Israeli settlement expansion — in return for robust US security guarantees.