Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, and the Palestinian Authority held a secret meeting in Riyadh about a week ago that was focused on plans for Gaza governance when the war is over, according to several sources. They also reportedly discussed ways in which a “renewed Palestinian Authority” can take part in the management of the Strip, the sources said.
The meeting indicates that the PA and Arab countries are making progress in planning moves for “the day after” the war in Gaza.
Meanwhile, in Israel, the same discussions are underway, although no solutions have been accomplished so far.
The meeting in Riyadh was organized by Saudi National Security Adviser Musad Al-Aiban and was attended by Palestinian General Intelligence Director Majed Faraj, Egyptian Intelligence Director Abbas Kamel, and Jordanian Intelligence Director Ahmed Hosni.
Israel was informed about the meeting and its contents by some of the participants, a person familiar with the matter said.
The Saudis, Egyptians, and Jordanians made it clear to the head of Palestinian intelligence that the PA must carry out reforms that will allow renewal in the leadership ranks as well, according to two sources familiar with what took place at the meeting. This includes the transfer of certain powers from PA President Mahmoud Abbas to a new prime minister who is to be appointed.
Moving toward normalization with Israel
The Saudis emphasized that they were still interested in moving toward normalization with Israel in exchange for practical and irreversible steps on the part of Israel and the international community on the way to a Palestinian state – even if they do not result in the establishment of a Palestinian state immediately.
The embassies of Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Egypt in Washington did not respond to requests for comment.
PA Civil Affairs Minister Hussein al-Sheikh did not respond to requests for comment.