In a significant statement, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has declared that Saudi Arabia will not recognize Israel unless a Palestinian state is established. The Saudi monarch also strongly condemned Israel’s occupation crimes against the Palestinian people, according to a report by Reuters on September 18.
The Crown Prince emphasized that Saudi Arabia would continue to strive for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital. He stated, Saudi Arabia will not stop its efforts to establish an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, and we affirm that without the establishment of a Palestinian state, Saudi Arabia will not establish diplomatic relations with Israel.
This stance is a departure from previous diplomatic approaches, as earlier reports suggested that Saudi Arabia had considered normalizing relations with Israel. However, the recent declaration underscores the kingdom’s firm stance on the Palestinian issue.
The Crown Prince’s statement comes in the context of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine. In response to the recent round of violence, Saudi Arabia had put on hold the normalization of relations with Israel, which was being actively pushed by the United States.
In January this year, Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan had indicated that if a comprehensive agreement was reached that included the establishment of a Palestinian state, Saudi Arabia might consider recognizing Israel diplomatically. However, the Crown Prince’s recent statement indicates a hardening of the kingdom’s position.
The Crown Prince’s declaration follows a period of heightened tensions in the region. Just a few weeks before the outbreak of the latest conflict, the Crown Prince had suggested that Saudi Arabia was close to reaching a deal with Israel. However, following the conflict, Saudi Arabia suspended negotiations, which were being facilitated by the United States.
The Saudi Crown Prince’s statement was made on the same day that the United Nations General Assembly held its tenth emergency special session on the Palestinian question. The assembly voted to adopt a draft resolution on the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories, calling for Israel to end its illegal presence in the occupied territories within 12 months of the resolution’s adoption.
The Saudi Crown Prince’s statement and the UN resolution underscore the international community’s continued concern over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The issue remains a significant obstacle to peace in the Middle East, and the international community continues to urge Israel to take steps towards a two-state solution.
The Saudi Crown Prince’s statement is a significant development in the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It indicates a firm stance against normalization of relations with Israel until a Palestinian state is established. The Saudi monarchy’s position on this issue is likely to have a significant impact on the future of Middle Eastern politics and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Views: 0