Saudi Arabia will not Recognize Israel Without Palestinian
Saudi Arabia's position on recognizing Israel has remained a topic of much debate and speculation in international relations, particularly in recent years as the dynamics of the Middle East have evolved. The Kingdom’s Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman (MBS), has recently reaffirmed that Saudi Arabia will not formally recognize Israel unless a Palestinian state is established.
Historical Context: The Roots of Saudi Arabia's Position:
The origins of Saudi Arabia’s stance on Israel are deeply rooted in the Arab-Israeli conflict. Since the formation of Israel in 1948, the Arab world, including Saudi Arabia, has been largely united in opposing the state’s establishment without addressing the displacement of Palestinians. Saudi Arabia, as a leader in the Arab and Muslim world, has been a vocal advocate for Palestinian rights, particularly their right to self-determination and the establishment of a Palestinian state.
In 2002, Saudi Arabia spearheaded the Arab Peace Initiative, a proposal that called for normalizing relations between Arab countries and Israel in exchange for Israel's withdrawal from the occupied territories, a just solution for Palestinian refugees, and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital. This initiative remains central to Saudi Arabia’s diplomatic approach towards Israel.
Recent Developments:
The political landscape of the Middle East has shifted significantly in the past decade, with several Arab countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan, and Morocco, normalizing relations with Israel through the Abraham Accords brokered by the United States in 2020. However, despite these changes, Saudi Arabia has remained steadfast in its position. While there have been rumors of behind-the-scenes talks between Riyadh and Tel Aviv, official recognition remains contingent on the establishment of a Palestinian state. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has reiterated this point, emphasizing that without a viable solution for the Palestinians, Saudi Arabia will not follow the path of other Arab nations.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Stance:
In several public statements, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has made it clear that Saudi Arabia supports the normalization of relations with Israel, but only if it is accompanied by the creation of a Palestinian state. In a 2023 interview, MBS stated: “We want to see a resolution to the Palestinian issue. Until that happens, we cannot move forward with formal diplomatic relations with Israel.” This reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to the two-state solution, which envisions an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel, based on pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
The Importance of the Palestinian:
The Palestinian cause is not only a political issue for Saudi Arabia but also a deeply emotional and symbolic one, both for the leadership and the broader Arab and Muslim world. The Kingdom, home to the two holiest sites in Islam, Mecca and Medina, holds a significant position in the Islamic world. As a result, its stance on the Palestinian issue carries weight across the Muslim world.
Saudi Arabia’s support for the Palestinians is seen as part of its broader leadership role in the region and the Islamic world. Aligning with the Palestinian cause allows the Kingdom to maintain its position as a defender of Muslim and Arab interests, particularly in relation to Jerusalem, which is considered the third holiest city in Islam.
Thinking:
Saudi Arabia’s position on Israel remains consistent: no formal recognition without the establishment of a Palestinian state. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s leadership has reinforced this stance, even as the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East changes. The Kingdom’s commitment to the Palestinian cause reflects its broader role as a leader in the Arab and Muslim world, and it is unlikely to shift without significant progress toward a two-state solution.
