DUBAI, September 18, 2024 – Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reiterated on Wednesday that the kingdom would not recognize Israel without the establishment of a Palestinian state. He strongly condemned the “crimes of the Israeli occupation” against the Palestinian people.
“The kingdom will continue its relentless efforts toward the creation of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital. We affirm that Saudi Arabia will not establish diplomatic relations with Israel without achieving this goal,” the crown prince declared.
After the outbreak of war last October between Israel and Hamas, the militant group governing Gaza, Saudi Arabia suspended U.S.-backed efforts to normalize ties with Israel, according to two sources familiar with Riyadh’s stance earlier this year. This marked a significant shift in the kingdom’s diplomatic priorities.
Just weeks before the conflict erupted, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had indicated that Saudi Arabia was nearing a deal with Israel.
The crown prince delivered these remarks during his annual address to the Shura Council, on behalf of his father, King Salman, as the council swore an oath of office on Wednesday.
