In a surprising turn of events, Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has shifted away from talks of normalizing diplomatic ties with Israel, just a year after hinting at a closer relationship. As the Israel-Hamas conflict escalates, the prince emphasized the need for an independent Palestinian state as a prerequisite for any normalization with Israel.
Despite previous hints at progressing towards normalizing relations, the prince’s recent statements clarify Saudi Arabia’s firm stance on the Palestinian issue. The suspension of talks with the United States over a potential deal involving Israel highlights the kingdom’s commitment to prioritizing Palestinian statehood.
Amidst escalating violence in the region, analysts suggest that the Saudi public’s resistance to normalization with Israel has grown stronger. The prince’s efforts to pressure Israel and the US for a ceasefire display a shift in Saudi Arabia’s approach towards regional conflicts.
As the situation in the Middle East continues to evolve, Saudi Arabia’s stance on Israel’s normalization remains a pivotal question for the Arab and Islamic worlds.