Saudi media has recently adopted a critical tone towards Israel and Hamas, following controversial remarks from Trump and Netanyahu about Palestinian displacement. The foreign ministry’s strong rejection of these comments marks a significant shift in narrative, emphasizing support for Palestinians. Additionally, there is an emerging sympathetic portrayal of Hamas, suggesting potential rapprochement between Saudi Arabia and the group amid growing tensions in Gaza.
Recently, Saudi media has shifted its tone significantly, criticizing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump. The criticism follows Trump’s controversial proposal suggesting that wealthier Middle Eastern nations should finance Gaza’s reconstruction, further implying a forced displacement of Palestinians. This emerging narrative marks a departure from the kingdom’s previously more supportive stance towards Israel, reflecting heightened tensions following Netanyahu’s comments.
Netanyahu’s suggestion that Saudi Arabia should consider creating a Palestinian state within its territory prompted a swift rejection from Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry. Their statement called Netanyahu’s remarks “the words of an extremist, occupying mindset” and emphasized that Palestinians have a legitimate right to their land, dismissing any notions of their forced removal from Gaza. This rejection signified a noteworthy shift as they deliberately omitted Netanyahu’s title in their official response, signaling a firmer stance in media coverage.
The state-run media, such as Al-Ikhbariya, reinforced this new position, labeling Netanyahu as a “Zionist, son of a Zionist” and blaming him for the ongoing occupation. Additionally, Al-Arabiya raised questions regarding his mental and physical health during a broadcast, suggesting that his ambitious proposals stem from erratic decision-making. This aggressive vocabulary represents a significant escalation in Saudi media rhetoric toward Israel.
Another surprising aspect of this shift is the changing portrayal of Hamas within Saudi narratives. Historically viewed negatively due to ties with the Muslim Brotherhood, recent comments from Hamas officials have begun to receive more sympathetic coverage in Saudi media. Following Trump’s and Netanyahu’s remarks, Saudi outlets like Okaz and Asharq Al-Awsat featured Hamas’s opposition to the proposed displacement, indicating a potential thawing in relations between Riyadh and the group.
Prominent writer Nawaf al-Qudaimi argued that the current situation represents a “strategic opportunity” for a re-engagement with Hamas. He suggested that even small gestures like allowing Hamas leaders to perform Umrah could indicate a diplomatic shift. Furthermore, he proposed that closing airspace to Israeli flights would be a strong response against ongoing violence towards Palestinians.
Opinion pieces in Asharq Al-Awsat reiterated that Saudi Arabia’s contextually supportive stance towards the Palestinian cause is non-negotiable. This response also highlighted Netanyahu’s suggestions as blackmail, indicating a decisive end to any momentum toward normalization of relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel, reinforcing the kingdom’s historical alignment with Palestinian interests amidst escalating violence in Gaza.
The recent shift in Saudi media regarding Israel and Hamas showcases a significant departure from previous stances, reflecting deeper concerns over U.S. policy and Israeli actions. Saudi Arabia’s strong rejection of Netanyahu’s remarks emphasizes the kingdom’s commitment to Palestinian rights, while also indicating a potential recalibration of its relations with Hamas. This evolving discourse suggests that Saudi Arabia may increasingly prioritize its historical support for the Palestinian cause over developing ties with Israel.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
