Saudi Arabia has reiterated it will not establish ties with Israel unless a Palestinian state is created, countering President Trump’s claims. The Kingdom’s Crown Prince affirmed this stance during official addresses, emphasizing non-negotiable conditions for relations with Israel. Meanwhile, Trump proposed that the U.S. assume control over Gaza, suggesting significant redevelopment efforts, while Netanyahu expressed optimism regarding these developments.
Saudi Arabia emphasized on Wednesday its refusal to establish diplomatic relations with Israel unless a Palestinian state is created. This announcement followed comments by US President Donald Trump, who asserted that Saudi Arabia was not demanding such a condition. The Saudi foreign ministry underlined that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had made the Kingdom’s position clear, stating it was non-negotiable and expressing opposition to displacing Palestinians
The Saudi Foreign Ministry stated that during a speech on September 18, 2024, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reaffirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to establishing an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital. The Saudi government indicated that there would be no diplomatic relations with Israel until this condition was fulfilled.
Reiterating this stance, the ministry mentioned that the Crown Prince emphasized the need to establish a Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders during the extraordinary Arab-Islamic Summit held in Riyadh in November 2024. He also called for an end to the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories and urged other nations to recognize Palestine.
In contrast, President Trump claimed during a press conference that Saudi Arabia did not require the creation of a Palestinian state when he hosted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Trump proposed a plan for the US to take control of Gaza, promising substantial redevelopment and economic investment in the region.
Trump suggested that the US would take ownership of Gaza, leading efforts for housing and job creation in the area. He mentioned maintaining a long-term role in governing Gaza while expressing optimism about displacing Palestinians relocating to other countries, although some would stay.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu endorsed Trump’s proposal, indicating a potential historical shift for the region. He acknowledged during the White House meeting that this initiative could significantly impact the future, calling it a notable moment that could change history.
The backdrop of this discourse involves ongoing tensions between Israel and Palestine, with Saudi Arabia historically supporting the establishment of a Palestinian state. President Trump’s recent comments and proposals on Gaza mark a deviation from traditional U.S. foreign policy, which has often sought to mediate a two-state solution while acknowledging Palestinian rights. In response to Trump’s remarks, Saudi Arabia restated its firm policy position, reinforcing that any normalization of relations with Israel hinges upon progress towards Palestinian statehood. This underscores the intricate balance that regional actors must navigate amid geopolitical changes in the area.
In summary, Saudi Arabia’s firm stance against normalizing relations with Israel without a recognized Palestinian state was reiterated in the face of divergent claims made by President Trump regarding the Kingdom’s position. The ongoing efforts for Palestinian statehood remain critical to Saudi foreign policy, amidst Trump’s new proposal for U.S. control over Gaza, which has garnered varied reactions from regional leaders.
Original Source: www.business-standard.com
