Saudi Arabia Will Not Recognize Israel Without Palestinian State, Says Crown Prince
In a major statement reflecting the continued significance of the Palestinian issue in Middle Eastern geopolitics, Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) has reiterated that normalization of relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel cannot occur without the establishment of a Palestinian state. This declaration comes amidst growing speculation and diplomatic efforts aimed at expanding the Abraham Accords, under which several Arab nations have already formalized ties with Israel.
The Crown Prince's Position
During a widely covered interview, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman clarified that while Saudi Arabia views Israel as a potential partner, any official recognition will depend on addressing the long-standing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He emphasized that Riyadh supports a two-state solution, with East Jerusalem as the capital of a sovereign Palestinian state, which has been the Arab League's unified position for decades.
“We hope that the situation improves,” said MBS. “For us, the Palestinian issue is very important. We want to see the rights of the Palestinian people achieved and respected.”
This sentiment underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative, which was spearheaded by the kingdom. The initiative calls for full normalization with Israel only if Israel withdraws from the territories occupied since 1967 and agrees to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.
Regional Diplomacy and Shifts in the Middle East
While the Crown Prince’s remarks reaffirm a traditional stance, they also come at a time when the region has been undergoing substantial diplomatic shifts. Several Gulf states, including the UAE, Bahrain, and Morocco, have normalized relations with Israel through the U.S.-brokered Abraham Accords. These agreements have largely focused on economic cooperation, security, and technology-sharing between Israel and these countries, sidelining the Palestinian question. However, Saudi Arabia, the de facto leader of the Arab and Islamic worlds, has thus far abstained from joining the Accords, citing the need for a resolution to the Palestinian conflict.
Despite these diplomatic movements, Saudi-Israeli relations have seen some behind-the-scenes collaboration, particularly in areas like countering the influence of Iran. Both countries view Iran as a major regional threat, which has fostered a quiet convergence of interests, especially in the realms of security and intelligence sharing. However, public normalization has remained elusive.
U.S. Role in Facilitating Talks
The U.S., particularly under the Biden administration, has been actively working to mediate between Saudi Arabia and Israel to encourage normalization. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's statements come amid heightened efforts by Washington to broker a broader deal that could include security guarantees for Saudi Arabia, access to advanced American defense systems, and support for the kingdom’s civilian nuclear ambitions.
However, the Palestinian issue remains a stumbling block in these negotiations. Saudi leaders have made it clear that they cannot proceed with normalization without addressing Palestinian grievances, a position likely influenced by both domestic and regional public opinion. The Palestinian cause continues to resonate with large segments of the Arab and Muslim populations, for whom the unresolved conflict is seen as a central injustice.
The Palestinian Perspective
Palestinian leaders, while welcoming Saudi Arabia’s continued support, have expressed concerns about the growing trend of Arab states normalizing ties with Israel without securing significant concessions for the Palestinians. They have argued that such agreements weaken the Arab world’s leverage in securing a fair settlement for the Palestinians, potentially undermining the long-standing Arab consensus on the issue.
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas has previously warned against any normalization deals that exclude the Palestinian cause, calling them a “betrayal” of the Palestinian people. Saudi Arabia's position, however, offers some reassurance to the Palestinians that the kingdom will not follow the path of other Arab states without substantial progress on their issue.
A Delicate Balance
As the regional landscape evolves, Saudi Arabia finds itself balancing its traditional commitment to the Palestinian cause with new opportunities for cooperation with Israel, particularly in light of shared strategic concerns over Iran and opportunities for economic development. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has spearheaded Vision 2030, an ambitious plan to diversify Saudi Arabia's economy, reduce its reliance on oil, and position the kingdom as a global economic and technological hub. Normalizing relations with Israel, a leader in technology and innovation, could significantly contribute to these goals.
Nevertheless, the Crown Prince’s statements make clear that Saudi Arabia will not forgo its historical role as a defender of Palestinian rights in pursuit of its own interests. The path to normalization, while still possible, hinges on Israel’s willingness to engage meaningfully in the peace process and offer tangible concessions towards the creation of a Palestinian state.
Conclusion
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's reaffirmation of Saudi Arabia’s stance on Israeli-Palestinian relations sends a strong signal to both regional and international players. While Saudi-Israeli normalization is not off the table, it is inextricably tied to the fate of the Palestinian people and their aspirations for statehood. As the U.S. and other global powers continue their diplomatic efforts, the future of Middle East peace hinges on resolving the longstanding conflict between Israelis and Palestinians—a challenge that has defied solution for decades.
The next steps will likely depend on Israel’s readiness to reengage with the peace process and the extent to which international pressure can bring about a meaningful breakthrough in one of the world’s most intractable conflicts.
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