Netanyahu: Prospects for normalization with Saudis ‘will be even riper’ after Hamas defeated

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says conditions for a normalization deal between Israel and Saudi Arabia “will be even riper” after Israel accomplishes its war aim of destroying Hamas.

“I think there’s a test now for the forces of civilization and progress against the forces of medievalism who want to take us back to the Dark Ages,” he tells Fox News.

Netanyahu says Israel is committed to victory against Hamas and asserts it would be a victory for the US and the “moderate Arab states” as well.

“Once we achieve that, that promise of peace that we first [saw] in the Abraham Accords and were about to expand further with peace between Israel and Saudi Arabia, I think it will be a reality,” the premier says. “I think conditions will be ripe. In fact, after a victory, I think they’ll be even riper.”