Saudi Arabia Stipulates Conditions for Diplomatic Relations with Israel

Saudi Arabia has reaffirmed its stance on diplomatic relations with Israel, asserting that it will not establish official ties unless certain conditions are met. The kingdom emphasized the need for an independent Palestinian state to be recognized on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem designated as its capital, according to a statement released by the Saudi foreign ministry.

In its statement, Riyadh reiterated its call for permanent members of the U.N. Security Council to recognize a Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, which include the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip. This long standing Palestinian aspiration has been at the heart of efforts to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and achieve lasting peace in the region.

The Saudi stance underscores the significance of addressing key issues, including Israeli aggression against the Gaza Strip and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Palestinian territories. These conditions reflect Saudi Arabia's commitment to the Palestinian cause and its support for a comprehensive resolution to the conflict.

The statement from the Saudi foreign ministry comes amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to normalize relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel. While there have been discussions about potential normalization, the recent Gaza war prompted Saudi Arabia to pause these efforts in light of Arab sentiments against Israel's offensive actions.

Efforts to advance normalization have faced challenges, particularly in the absence of progress toward resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Saudi Arabia has expressed a willingness to consider a political commitment from Israel regarding the establishment of a Palestinian state, but emphasizes the importance of tangible steps toward achieving this goal.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, currently touring the region, has acknowledged Saudi Arabia's interest in pursuing normalization. However, he reiterated that ending the conflict in Gaza and establishing a clear path to a Palestinian state are prerequisites for advancing diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel.

The Biden administration has received encouraging signals regarding ongoing discussions between Saudi Arabia and Israel regarding normalization. While progress has been made, the Saudi foreign ministry's statement reaffirms the kingdom's commitment to the principles of the two-state solution and the recognition of Palestinian sovereignty.

The Gaza war has reignited discussions surrounding the two-state solution, despite the stalemate in negotiations between Israeli and Palestinian leaders. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's stance on Israeli security interests in the Jordan River area presents a challenge to the realization of a Palestinian state.

Amidst these challenges, countries such as the United States and Britain have reiterated their support for the two-state solution. British Foreign Secretary David Cameron recently expressed Britain's willingness to consider recognizing a Palestinian state, signaling a potential shift in international diplomacy regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

As diplomatic efforts continue, the conditions set forth by Saudi Arabia underscore the complexities of achieving normalization between Arab states and Israel. The kingdom's firm stance reflects its commitment to the Palestinian cause and its dedication to promoting regional stability and peace.