Saudi Arabia has firmly rejected claims made by former U.S. President Donald Trump regarding its position on Israel. The Kingdom reiterated that any potential normalization of ties with Israel remains contingent upon the recognition and establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state.

Saudi Arabia’s Official Position

In response to Trump’s statement, Saudi officials emphasized their unwavering commitment to the Arab Peace Initiative, a 2002 proposal that conditions normalization on Israel’s withdrawal from occupied territories and the creation of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital. The key points of Saudi Arabia’s stance include:

  • No diplomatic ties with Israel unless Palestinians achieve statehood.
  • Support for a two-state solution as the foundation for peace in the region.
  • Continued advocacy for Palestinian rights in international forums.

Trump’s Controversial Claim

Trump recently suggested that Saudi Arabia was on the verge of establishing formal relations with Israel during his presidency, implying that the process had stalled under the Biden administration. However, Saudi Arabia refuted this claim, asserting that its position on the Palestinian issue has remained consistent regardless of U.S. leadership.

The Path Forward for Middle East Diplomacy

Saudi Arabia has been actively engaged in diplomatic discussions, particularly with the U.S. and regional allies, to address the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. While some Arab nations have signed normalization agreements under the Abraham Accords, Saudi Arabia maintains that its participation in such agreements hinges on securing justice and statehood for Palestinians.