Overview
- Axios reports that Trump repeatedly pressed Mohammed bin Salman on joining the Abraham Accords during their Nov. 18 White House meeting, prompting a tense exchange.
- MBS told Trump that Saudi public opinion after the Gaza war makes immediate normalization politically untenable and demanded a credible, time‑bound path to Palestinian statehood.
- U.S. officials said there was no immediate agreement, noting MBS did not shut the door on future normalization if his conditions are met.
- The public show of unity contrasted with the private friction, as both leaders praised each other while disagreements over timing and terms played out behind closed doors.
- Confusion followed over an F‑35 sale after Trump signaled parity with Israel’s jets, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio later telling Israel the Saudis would receive a downgraded version to protect Israel’s qualitative military edge, which remains under scrutiny by Israeli officials and in Congress.