We'll never have diplomatic relations with Israel without Palestinians independence - Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia will not establish diplomatic ties with Israel until a Palestinian state is created, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reaffirmed at the Shura Council.

According to AFP, he condemned Israeli actions against Palestinians, saying, “We renew the kingdom’s rejection and strong condemnation of the crimes of the Israeli occupation authority against the Palestinian people.”

He added, “The kingdom will not cease its tireless efforts to establish an independent Palestinian state with east Jerusalem as its capital, and we affirm that the kingdom will not establish diplomatic relations with Israel without one.”

This stance contrasts with normalisation deals brokered in 2020 between Israel and other Gulf nations. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken had recently held out hope for swift Saudi-Israel ties, contingent on a Gaza ceasefire.

“I think if we can get a ceasefire in Gaza, there remains an opportunity through the balance of this administration to move forward on normalisation,” Blinken said.

Riyadh, however, insists on a pathway to Palestinian statehood and security guarantees from Washington, as part of any deal.