This statement from the Israeli Prime Minister could strain relations between the two countries.
Tel Aviv: This statement could put a strain on relations between the two countries. However, Saudi Arabia’s response to Israel’s attack on Gaza in October 2023 was relatively restricted. Amid the ongoing ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, new tensions have emerged that could affect relations between Tel Aviv and Saudi Arabia. Last week, Riyadh said he would not recognize Israel until the establishment of a Palestinian state. However, tensions appear to be escalating now as Saudi Arabia said in an interview with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that if Saudi Arabia wishes, it could establish a new Palestinian state on its territory.
This statement from the Israeli Prime Minister could strain relations between the two countries. However, Saudi Arabia’s response to Israel’s attack on Gaza in October 2023 was relatively restricted.
“Saudi Arabia can establish a new Palestinian state within its own territory if it wishes. This country has enough land to provide the Palestinians with a state,” Prime Minister Netanyahu said. I said that. When asked about the Palestinian state, Netanyahu said he disagreed with “a deal that puts the Israeli state at risk.”
“It’s not a Palestinian state in particular. After October 7? Do you know what it is? There was a Palestinian state. It was called Gaza. Under Hamas’ rule, Gaza was a Palestinian state, We were looking at what we got, the worst massacre since the Holocaust,” he further said.
Tensions rising between Saudi Arabia and Israel
In particular, an interview with Prime Minister Netanyahu took place during his visit to Washington. They met President Donald Trump and held a fruitful meeting. At a press conference, the US president spoke about America’s control of Gaza while Netanyahu was discovered to be smiling. Both leaders also discussed the possibility of normalizing relations with Saudi Arabia. While showing optimism, Netanyahu said, “I believe that peace between Israel and Saudi Arabia is not just possible. I think that will happen.”
Saudi Arabia’s response
Shortly after the important press conference, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded, saying it would not discuss relations with Israel without the establishment of a Palestinian state.
It is noteworthy that an unknown Israeli official told the Jerusalem post earlier this week that Prime Minister Netanyahu was afraid to delay the annexation of the West Bank. He may also want to delay the end of the war in Gaza and push for a regularised deal with Riyadh.
Israeli officials were worried that the PM could use the delay in annexation as a negotiation tip to prevent Saudi Arabia from calling for a path to the Palestinian state.
Donald Trump’s previous tenure as president
During his previous inauguration, Donald Trump promoted a key Abrahamic agreement, and the United Arab Emirates formed diplomatic ties with Israel and recognized it as a nation. There is considerable speculation that if Trump wins the second term, he may normalize relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel and promote a new phase of Abraham’s succession to gain Israeli recognition.
