Saudi Arabia has rejected the normalization of ties with Israel unless a Palestinian state is established, directly contradicting U.S. President Trump’s assertion that the Saudis weren’t insisting on a Palestinian homeland. Trump’s proposal, announced during a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, involved the U.S. taking control of the Gaza Strip following the resettlement of Palestinians elsewhere.
Trump outlined a plan for the U.S. to assume responsibility for the Gaza Strip, clearing unexploded ordnance, demolishing damaged structures, and fostering economic development to create jobs and housing. He emphasized the need for a complete overhaul rather than a return to the status quo.
The Saudi foreign ministry issued a statement firmly rejecting any Palestinian displacement, underlining the kingdom’s unwavering position on the matter. The statement highlighted Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s clear and unequivocal stance on this issue, ruling out any alternative interpretations.
Trump’s repeated suggestions regarding Palestinian displacement, a highly sensitive issue for both Palestinians and Arab nations, have caused significant concern. He had previously suggested that Jordan, Egypt, and other Arab nations could accommodate Palestinian refugees from Gaza, potentially clearing the area entirely.
Amidst the recent conflict in Gaza, Palestinians expressed fears of a repeat of the 1948 “Nakba,” the displacement and dispossession of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians. The Gaza war, initiated by Hamas’ October 7th attack on Israel, led Saudi Arabia to abandon ongoing U.S.-led diplomatic efforts to normalize ties with Israel, amid widespread Arab anger over the conflict.
Trump’s goal was to encourage Saudi Arabia to follow the example of the UAE and Bahrain, which normalized relations with Israel under the Abraham Accords in 2020. The establishment of ties with Saudi Arabia, a significant player in the Middle East and the world’s largest oil exporter, would represent a major diplomatic achievement for Israel.
Reuters contributed to this report.