Saudi Arabia’s Stance on Israel-Palestine Conflict

Saudi Arabia’s Stance on Israel-Palestine Conflict
Saudi Arabia has unequivocally rejected the notion of establishing ties with Israel without the creation of a Palestinian state. This position contradicts the claims of President Donald Trump, who asserted that Riyadh was not demanding a Palestinian homeland when he proposed U.S. takeover of the Gaza Strip.
Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry Statement
Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement on Wednesday, vehemently opposing any attempts to displace Palestinians from their land. The statement emphasized that the kingdom’s stance towards the Palestinians is non-negotiable. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has reaffirmed this position in a clear and emphatic manner, leaving no room for misinterpretation.
Palestinian Displacement as a Sensitive Issue
The proposed displacement of Palestinians is a highly sensitive matter among both Palestinians and Arab nations. During the Gaza war, Palestinians expressed fears of experiencing another “Nakba,” a catastrophe similar to the dispossession of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians from their homes during the creation of the State of Israel. **U.S. and Israel’s Diplomatic Efforts** The United States and Israel have engaged in extensive diplomacy to persuade Saudi Arabia to normalize ties with Israel. However, the Gaza war, which erupted in October 2023, prompted Riyadh to shelve the matter due to widespread Arab anger over Israel’s offensive.
Trump’s Desire for Saudi Normalization
President Trump has expressed his desire for Saudi Arabia to emulate countries like the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, which signed the Abraham Accords in 2020 and normalized relations with Israel. These agreements marked the first time in a quarter century that Arab states broke the longstanding taboo of establishing ties with Israel.
Significance of Saudi Ties for Israel
Establishing ties with Saudi Arabia would be a significant achievement for Israel, given the kingdom’s immense influence in the Middle East, the wider Muslim world, and its status as the world’s largest oil exporter. Diplomatic relations with Saudi Arabia would provide Israel with an important ally in the region.