Saudi Arabia has stated it will not normalize relations with Israel without recognizing a Palestinian state

Saudi Arabia has stated that it will not normalize relations with Israel unless a Palestinian state is established, directly opposing President Donald Trump‘s assertion that Riyadh was not insisting on a Palestinian homeland while discussing U.S. intentions regarding the Gaza Strip.

In a surprising declaration, Trump announced on Tuesday that the United States plans to take control of the conflict-ridden region after relocating Palestinians and focusing on its economic development. This statement was made during a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The Saudi foreign ministry issued a statement on Wednesday, firmly rejecting any efforts to displace Palestinians from their land, emphasizing that the kingdom’s commitment to the Palestinian cause is non-negotiable. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has reiterated this position in a manner that leaves no room for misinterpretation.

The issue of displacing Palestinians is particularly sensitive for both Palestinians and Arab nations. Amid ongoing violence in Gaza, Palestinians are concerned about experiencing another “Nakba,” reminiscent of the mass displacement that occurred during the establishment of Israel.

For both Trump and Israel, the implications of Saudi Arabia’s stance on Middle Eastern policy are significant.

The United States has spent several months engaging in diplomatic efforts to encourage Saudi Arabia, a key and influential Arab nation, to establish formal relations with Israel and acknowledge its existence. However, the outbreak of the Gaza conflict in October 2023 prompted Riyadh to put these discussions on hold due to widespread Arab discontent regarding Israel’s military actions.

Former President Trump hopes that Saudi Arabia will emulate the actions of nations such as the United Arab Emirates, a central hub for trade and business in the Middle East, and Bahrain, both of which signed the Abraham Accords in 2020, thereby normalizing relations with Israel.

By doing so, these nations became the first Arab states in 25 years to challenge a long-standing taboo. For Israel, securing ties with Saudi Arabia would represent a significant achievement, given the kingdom’s considerable influence in the Middle East, its standing in the broader Muslim community, and its status as the largest oil exporter in the world.