Saudi Arabia reiterated its stance that it will not engage in diplomatic relations with Israel unless an independent Palestinian state is recognized on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, as stated by the Saudi foreign ministry on Wednesday.
Amidst efforts led by the United States to normalize ties between Saudi Arabia and Israel, with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken visiting Riyadh this week. Blinken stated that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman emphasized the kingdom’s interest in pursuing normalization but underscored the necessity for ending the conflict in Gaza and establishing a clear, credible, time-bound path to a Palestinian state.
The Saudi foreign ministry’s statement called on permanent members of the U.N. Security Council to recognize a Palestinian state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital. The statement also demanded an end to “Israeli aggression” in the Gaza Strip and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the territory.
The recent Gaza war has brought renewed attention to the two-state solution for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, despite the lack of negotiations in recent years. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated his stance on Israeli security west of the Jordan River, which he sees as incompatible with a Palestinian state.
Meanwhile, countries like the United States, Britain, and Saudi Arabia have expressed support for the two-state solution. British Foreign Secretary David Cameron indicated last week that Britain would consider recognizing a Palestinian state, including at the United Nations.
The Biden administration has received positive feedback regarding the willingness of both Saudi Arabia and Israel to continue normalization discussions, according to White House National Security spokesperson John Kirby.
