Israel’s Strategic Interests Drive a New Middle East Rail Initiative

Watan- In a move that underscores the evolving geopolitics of the Middle East, leaders from the U.S., India, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates are set to announce a landmark infrastructure agreement. This pact, as detailed by the American news outlet Axios, envisions connecting Gulf nations and other Arab countries through a comprehensive railway system.

Countering China’s Influence

Sources privy to the plan indicate that the railway would extend its connections to India, leveraging the maritime routes of regional ports, notably those in Israel. This initiative surfaces as the Biden administration aims to counter China’s expanding footprint in the Middle East, a region integral to China’s Belt and Road ambitions.

Potential U.S.-Saudi Deal

The railway project is expected to be a highlight of President Biden’s presentation at the upcoming G20 summit in New Delhi. Simultaneously, whispers in Washington suggest that the Biden administration is in advanced talks regarding a significant deal with Saudi Arabia, potentially leading to a normalization agreement between the Kingdom and Israel.

Israel’s Pioneering Idea

The genesis of this railway initiative can be traced back to Israel. The nation had floated the concept of a regional railway network during the I2U2 meetings last year, a forum that brought together representatives from India, Israel, the UAE, and the U.S.

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