Ehud Olmert warns peace with Saudi dependant on progress with Palestinians

Former Israeli prime minister Ehud Olmert has warned that peace with Saudi Arabia is still some way off at an international conference during which Israel’s new relations with Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates were discussed.

Olmert, who came close to striking a peace agreement with the Palestinians before being forced to resign over corruption allegations, said he thought that Saudi Arabia was “a potential partner for peace,” but added a big caveat.

He said Riyadh was “in favour of developments [with Israel] but cannot take steps unless there is progress on the Palestinian issue”.

On the Abraham Accords between Israel, UAE and Bahrain, he said: “If anyone thinks that this agreement releases us from any responsibilities towards the Palestinians, it is a mistake. It is in our interest to separate from the Palestinians.”

His comments came during an online event organised by the International Institute for Strategic Leadership Dialogue. Other speakers included Israeli politician Gideon Sa’ar, Jewish Agency chair Isaac Herzog, and the UK’s Special Envoy for Post-Holocaust Issue Lord Eric Pickles.