Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) reaffirmed on Wednesday that Saudi Arabia would not recognize Israel without the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. In one of his strongest condemnation of Israel since the Oct. 7 massacre, MBS denounced what he described as the “crimes of the Israeli occupation” against Palestinians.

“The kingdom will not stop its tireless work towards the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital,” MBS said during his annual address to the Shura Council. He added, “We affirm that the kingdom will not establish diplomatic relations with Israel without that.”

These remarks come after Saudi Arabia paused US-backed plans to normalize ties with Israel following the outbreak of war between Israel and Hamas in October. According to sources familiar with the kingdom’s diplomatic priorities, the conflict prompted Riyadh to delay normalization efforts as it reassessed its approach to regional relations.

Just weeks before the fighting erupted, MBS had indicated that Saudi Arabia was making progress toward an agreement with Israel. However, following the violence, sources noted that the US-backed talks aimed at normalization would likely face delays. Despite the potential setbacks, the kingdom remains focused on securing a US defense pact, which it sees as a key prize in exchange for any future diplomatic ties with Israel.

MBS delivered his remarks on behalf of his father, King Salman, during the annual Shura Council session, where council members also swore an oath of office before the crown prince.

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