Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan reiterated Saudi Arabia's position on normalizing relations with Israel, stating that it is contingent upon the establishment of a Palestinian state. The Prince emphasized that without a resolution to Palestinian statehood, the prospect of normalization with Saudi Arabia is 'off the table'.
This stance aligns with the policy outlined by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who previously stated that diplomatic relations with Israel would not be established without a Palestinian state. The Saudi leadership views addressing the rights of Palestinians as crucial not only for normalization but also for the overall security of the region.
The Biden administration has prioritized Israel-Saudi normalization as a key Middle East policy goal. Discussions between the US and Saudi Arabia on this matter were ongoing, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken scheduled to visit Riyadh for further talks. However, these efforts were disrupted following an attack by Hamas on Israel.
Notably, Saudi Arabia and the US were also in negotiations for a significant defense agreement, which was contingent on Saudi normalization with Israel. The Crown Prince's clear stipulations for establishing diplomatic relations with Israel have underscored the importance of addressing the Palestinian issue.
Prince Faisal emphasized that a resolution to Palestinian statehood is a prerequisite for any potential bilateral agreements between Saudi Arabia and Israel. While the kingdom remains open to normalization in the future, it is currently prioritizing the rights and aspirations of the Palestinian people.
