Saudi Arabia Insists on Path to Palestinian State for Normalization with Israel
In a recent interview with CNN’s “Fareed Zakaria GPS,” Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan emphasized that the normalization of relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel is contingent upon the establishment of a credible and irreversible path to a Palestinian state. This statement comes in response to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s rejection of such a condition. Prince Faisal stated, “Everybody agrees that the only way to get out of this cycle of violence is to inevitably be on this path to a Palestinian state, and that’s absolutely necessary, and that’s what we’re focused on.”
The host of the interview pressed Prince Faisal on whether the absence of a credible path to a Palestinian state would prevent the normalization of relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel. The Foreign Minister responded unequivocally, saying, “That’s the only way we’re going to get a benefit. So, yes.” This firm stance by Saudi Arabia highlights their commitment to resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and achieving lasting peace in the region.
Prior to the recent Hamas attack on Israel, the United States had been working towards brokering an agreement between Saudi Arabia and Israel. The proposed deal included Saudi Arabia normalizing relations with Israel in exchange for U.S. security guarantees, assistance in establishing a civilian nuclear program, and progress towards resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Netanyahu had expressed optimism about reaching such an agreement, stating that Israel was on the verge of a breakthrough.
During the interview, Prince Faisal was also asked about Saudi Arabia’s potential role in financing the reconstruction of Gaza. He responded by emphasizing the need for a solution that goes beyond simply returning to the status quo before the recent escalation of violence. He stated, “The key to de-escalation right now is ending the conflict in Gaza because that’s feeding all of this instability in the region.” Prince Faisal highlighted the devastating impact of the conflict, with thousands of civilians losing their lives and many more being wounded.
Netanyahu, on the other hand, has rejected the vision supported by the United States and much of the international community for a postwar resolution. He has made it clear that he will never allow a Palestinian state and is seeking open-ended military control over Gaza. This rejection has raised concerns among European Union foreign ministers who gathered in Brussels to discuss the war in Gaza. They expressed support for the creation of a Palestinian state as the only credible way to achieve peace in the Middle East.
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict remains a complex and deeply entrenched issue. The Palestinians aspire to establish a state that includes Gaza, the Israeli-occupied West Bank, and annexed east Jerusalem. Israel, on the other hand, views Jerusalem as its capital and considers the West Bank as its historical and biblical heartland. The last round of peace talks broke down nearly 15 years ago, and finding a mutually acceptable solution has proven to be challenging.
Netanyahu has vowed to continue the offensive until there is “complete victory” over Hamas and the safe return of all remaining hostages. The Oct. 7 rampage in southern Israel triggered the war, resulting in the deaths of around 1,200 people and the abduction of approximately 250 individuals by Hamas and other terrorist groups. While around 100 hostages were freed under a week-long cease-fire deal in November, approximately 130 remain captive.
Hamas has stated that it will release more captives only if the war ends and thousands of Palestinian prisoners are released. However, Netanyahu has ruled out such an agreement. The Israeli military claims to have killed around 9,000 militants but blames Hamas for the high civilian death toll, citing their use of residential areas for military infrastructure.
The path to peace in the Middle East is fraught with challenges, but Saudi Arabia’s insistence on a credible and irreversible path to a Palestinian state for the normalization of relations with Israel is a significant step. It demonstrates their commitment to finding a lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and fostering stability in the region. As the international community continues to work towards peace, it is crucial to prioritize the well-being and aspirations of both Israelis and Palestinians.
