Saudi Arabia has once again made it clear that it will not normalize relations with Israel until the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that the kingdom’s stance is “firm and unwavering,” contradicting claims made by U.S. President Donald Trump that Saudi Arabia had abandoned this demand.
In a statement, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that “Saudi Arabia’s position on the establishment of a Palestinian state is firm and unwavering.” This stance was made evident during a meeting at the White House between President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, where, when asked if Saudi Arabia demanded the establishment of a Palestinian state, the answer was, “No, they are not doing that.”
The statement further emphasized that “the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirms that Saudi Arabia’s position on the establishment of a Palestinian state is firm and unwavering.” Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had also clarified this position during the opening of a Shura Council session on September 18, 2024.
The announcement came amidst the reaffirmation of the kingdom’s commitment during the Arab-Islamic summit held in Riyadh on November 11, 2024, where the need for the establishment of a Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders and ending Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories was underscored.
Saudi Arabia has clarified that this unwavering position is not subject to any negotiations and no compromises are possible. The kingdom stated that “lasting and just peace cannot be achieved until the Palestinian people obtain their legitimate rights, as has been clearly stated by previous and current U.S. administrations.”
