Saudi Arabia is no longer insisting on a concrete plan for a Palestinian state as a condition for normalizing relations with Israel, according to reports emerging from ongoing discussions. Instead, Saudi officials now seek an end to the war in Gaza and a vague Israeli commitment toward a “pathway to a Palestinian state,” sources told The Jerusalem Post on Tuesday evening.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) has reportedly softened his position during recent talks with individuals close to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, including Trump’s incoming Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff. The Saudi leadership communicated that normalization between the two nations could move forward once hostilities in Gaza cease, without requiring an explicit timeline or recognition of a Palestinian state.
This development marks a major breakthrough in normalization efforts, with Haaretz reporting on Tuesday that Saudi Arabia and Israel have achieved progress in their negotiations. According to the report, MBS is no longer demanding an ironclad plan for Palestinian statehood and is prepared to accept a less defined statement regarding the possibility of a Palestinian state in the future.
The shift is particularly notable given MBS’s strong rhetoric just a month ago, when he accused Israel of committing “collective genocide” in Gaza. However, this recent change indicates a willingness to set aside prior hardline demands in favor of broader regional normalization.
While Saudi officials still require “some kind” of reference to Palestinian aspirations, sources said that it does not need to involve a formal recognition of statehood—merely a symbolic or ambiguous commitment to a future path.
This pragmatic adjustment reflects Saudi Arabia’s prioritization of its strategic objectives in the region, including fostering closer ties with Israel, while maintaining its position as a key player in the Arab world. It also aligns with broader U.S. interests in advancing the normalization process between Israel and Gulf states under initiatives such as the Abraham Accords.
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6 Responses
That’s because in the truth of things, Saudi Arabia really doesn’t care about those “palestinians,” just like really nobody else over there likes them either which is why nobody wants them in their country. And the reason nobody wants them in their country is because they get in the way of things, the smooth running of countries.
Trump (Jared) is back….
I strongly suspect that Saudi Arabia insisted on a Palestinian state as a condition for normalizing relations with Israel, because they were pressured to do so by The Joe Biden Administration, and ONLY because they were pressured to do so by The Joe Biden Administration.
Now that The Joe Biden Administration is no longer in power, Saudi Arabia no longer has any reason to insist on a Palestinian state as a condition for normalizing relations with Israel.
PS: The Saudi Arabians HATE the so-called “Palestinians”, as do many other Arabs.
Square Root:
I’m sure that’s a reason. Another one is that if the Americans are insisting on a Palestinian state, the Saudis can’t be seen to care LESS than the Americans. Not a good look for them.
But of course, they never gave a hoot about a Palestinian state.
Let me explain the culture we’re dealing with. The Saudis are very shrewd negotiators. But they’re still Arabs. How do negotiations go in the Shuk? They ask $100, you offer $10, they lower to $80, you go to $25 & you both settle on $40.
The Saudis understand they are the Zaidy of the Muslim Arab world. Once they make a deal with Israel the other Arab countries become inconsequential.
Of course they don’t care about the Palestinians. They never did.
But when bargaining with wealthy America who are generous when we just want a done deal why not shoot for the moon?
Demand tons of money, military support, military guarantees, economic support AND a Palestinian state & in return for dropping the Palestinian state demand a big payoff. It’s all geopolitics at its best.
In the past when Russia needed something from America they would start persecuting the Jews. As part of the negotiations America demanded Russia stop hassling the Jews. Which they did & why not? What did it cost them to start & stop the persecution? Nothing, but they would extract a much better deal from America without giving up anything of substance.
Giving up the Palestinian state demand costs the Saudis nothing but ensures a bigger payout from America.
highly predictable, after biden’s “pariah” speech. look at what has changed: the fakestinians haven’t, but the white house has, and the saudis can’t recognize israel fast enough. trump hasn’t even been sworn in yet, and already he’s having a good influence on the most intractable conflict in the world. imagine that!