Saudi Arabia has ruled out normalizing relations with Israel unless a Palestinian state is established, reacting to President Trump’s Gaza plan. The proposal has sparked backlash in the Arab world, complicating Israel’s diplomatic ambitions while highlighting the foundational necessity of Palestinian rights in negotiations. The Kingdom’s foreign policy continues to align with U.S. and Israeli interests in countering Iran’s influence.
Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry has declared that the normalization of relations with Israel is contingent on the establishment of a Palestinian state, as a reaction to President Trump’s contentious Gaza plan. Trump proposed that the U.S. could take control of Gaza and resettle some residents in Egypt or Jordan, causing significant backlash in the Arab world, including accusations of potential ethnic cleansing. This situation may hinder Israel’s aim for formal diplomatic ties with Riyadh, although the groundwork for future cooperation might still exist.
The Saudi Foreign Ministry stated, “The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s position on the establishment of a Palestinian state is firm and unwavering. The Kingdom emphasises that this position is non-negotiable and not subject to compromises. Achieving lasting and just peace is impossible without the Palestinian people obtaining their legitimate rights in accordance with international resolutions.”
Saudi Arabia has increasingly aligned its foreign policy with the U.S. and Israel due to their mutual opposition to Iran. The Kingdom perceives Iran as a significant regional threat and has previously designated Hamas’ ally, the Muslim Brotherhood, as a terrorist organization. Normalizing relations with Israel could facilitate efforts to resolve the Israel-Palestine conflict and allow Saudi Arabia to focus on countering Iranian influence.
There were indications that normalization could be forthcoming before the recent Gaza conflict. President Biden suggested the attacks were intended to derail negotiations, with Saudi officials alleging Iranian instigation. As a prominent member of the Arab League, Saudi Arabia historically supports Palestinian statehood, and thus requires any deal to be based on a two-state solution.
Previously, Israel’s new ambassador to the U.S. indicated that a normalization agreement might be “closer than ever.” However, Saudi Arabia’s commitment to Palestinian statehood remains a vital condition in any potential diplomatic arrangement with Israel.
The significance of Saudi Arabia’s position stems from its influential role in the Arab League and its historical support for Palestinian statehood. The Kingdom’s diplomatic strategy has shifted towards closer ties with the U.S. and Israel due to shared geopolitical concerns, particularly regarding Iran. The recent proposals made by President Trump regarding Gaza have sparked outrage and raised questions about the future of normalization talks with Israel in light of the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Saudi Arabia has firmly established that normalization with Israel will not occur until a Palestinian state is created, viewing this condition as essential for achieving lasting peace. Current geopolitical tensions, especially with Iran, complicate the region’s dynamics, as both Saudi Arabia and Israel recognize potential benefits from closer cooperation. Nonetheless, the Kingdom’s steadfast support for Palestinian rights remains a key hurdle in advancing any diplomatic agreements with Israel.
Original Source: www.thejc.com
