Saudi Arabia Reaffirms Position on Palestinian State, Rejects Displacement Plans

Saudi Arabia has once again made its stance clear on the issue of establishing ties with Israel, reaffirming that it will not move forward with normalization without the establishment of a Palestinian state. The Saudi Foreign Ministry released a statement emphasizing that the kingdom's position on the Palestinian cause remains firm and non-negotiable.

The statement came after U.S. President Donald Trump's remarks on Tuesday, in which he suggested that the United States would take control of the Gaza Strip after Palestinians are resettled elsewhere and work to develop the region economically. Trump’s comments came during a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, where they discussed the possibility of reshaping the political landscape of the region.

Saudi Arabia’s response was swift, with the Foreign Ministry stressing that any efforts to displace Palestinians from their land would not be tolerated. The statement underscored that the kingdom's approach to the Palestinian issue is grounded in solidarity with the Palestinian people, and it is non-negotiable under any circumstances.

This response comes at a time of heightened sensitivity, with the displacement of Palestinians being a deeply contentious issue among Palestinians and the wider Arab world. The kingdom, led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, has consistently expressed its commitment to a two-state solution, where Palestinians would have their own independent state alongside Israel.

Normalization Talks with Israel and U.S. Influence

Over the years, the United States has made concerted efforts to encourage Saudi Arabia to normalize relations with Israel, following in the footsteps of other Arab nations like the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain. These countries signed the Abraham Accords in 2020, marking a historic shift in Middle East diplomacy. The hope is that Saudi Arabia, as a key regional power, would bring even greater influence to bear on the normalization process.

However, the Gaza conflict, which escalated in October 2023, has derailed these efforts. The war has sparked widespread anger across the Arab world over Israel's military actions, leading Saudi Arabia to pause any talks of normalizing relations with Israel. Despite this, U.S. President Trump continues to push for Saudi Arabia to join the ranks of the UAE and Bahrain in recognizing Israel.

A Grand Prize for Israel

For Israel, establishing formal ties with Saudi Arabia would be a significant geopolitical victory. The kingdom's influence in the Middle East, coupled with its position as the world’s largest oil exporter, would offer Israel unprecedented diplomatic and economic opportunities. In return, Israel would also gain a key ally in the Muslim world, further legitimizing its presence in the region.