On Wednesday, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MbS) stated that Saudi Arabia will not recognize Israel without the establishment of a Palestinian state. He condemned the “crimes of the Israeli occupation” against the Palestinian people and emphasized the kingdom’s commitment to achieving an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.
MbS asserted that Saudi Arabia will not establish diplomatic relations with Israel until this goal is met. Following the outbreak of war last October between Israel and Hamas, the militant group governing Gaza, Saudi Arabia paused plans, backed by the U.S., to normalize relations with Israel. This shift was described as a rapid change in the kingdom’s diplomatic priorities.
Just weeks before the conflict began, MbS had indicated that Saudi Arabia was nearing a deal with Israel. Accordning to sources, the talks on normalization would be delayed, which is seen as a crucial step for Saudi Arabia to secure a U.S. defense agreement that it desires.
The Crown Prince made these remarks during an annual speech to the advisory Shura Council, delivered on behalf of his father, King Salman. During the meeting, the council also took an oath of office before MbS.
