Saudi Arabia has reaffirmed that any normalization of relations with Israelmust be linked to a clear and credible roadmap toward the establishment ofan independent Palestinian state — a stance that puts the kingdom at oddswith Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s long-standing oppositionto Palestinian statehood.
In statements to regional media, Saudi officials emphasized thatnormalization cannot move forward without tangible steps addressingPalestinian rights and sovereignty. The position underscores Riyadh’scommitment to the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative, which conditions fulldiplomatic ties with Israel on the creation of a Palestinian state withEast Jerusalem as its capital.
The renewed stance comes amid reports that former U.S. President DonaldTrump — currently campaigning for another term — has been pushing for abreakthrough Saudi-Israeli normalization agreement as a centerpiece of hisforeign policy agenda. However, with Netanyahu’s government continuing toreject Palestinian statehood, Saudi leaders see no viable path forward inthe near term.
Analysts say Riyadh’s position reflects both domestic and regionalcalculations, balancing relations with Washington while maintaining itscredibility in the Arab and Muslim world.
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For now, the kingdom appears unwilling to compromise on its core condition:recognition of Palestinian nationhood as the foundation for any lastingpeace with Israel.