As the window for a Saudi-Israel normalization deal narrows, U.S. officials are scrambling to secure an agreement before the 2024 presidential election. Sources suggest Riyadh may be holding out for a potential second Trump term, believing he could offer better terms on security guarantees and nuclear cooperation. The Saudis have signaled they are preparing for Trump’s possible return, with Sen. Lindsey Graham warning a deal won’t be possible under Trump due to Democratic opposition. Despite entering office vowing to make the Saudis “pay the price” for human rights abuses, the Biden administration has made expanding the Abraham Accords a key focus. But with the Gaza conflict complicating talks and Israel’s far-right government resisting concessions to Palestinians, Riyadh seems content to wait out the clock on Biden’s term. As regional dynamics shift, will Saudi Arabia bet on Trump’s reelection bringing a better deal?

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