Saudi Arabia Will Not Normalize Relations with Israel Without Resolving Gaza Issue

The authorities of Saudi Arabia are not ready to normalize relations with Israel without an agreement on the long-term resolution of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. This was stated by Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud.

"This is the only route that is beneficial for us," the minister said in an interview with CNN when asked whether Saudi Arabia would seek to normalize relations with Israel (quoted by Reuters). "So the answer is yes, as we need stability, and we hope it will come through a resolution of the Palestinian issue," he added.

Currently, Saudi Arabia does not have official diplomatic relations with Israel.

In August 2023, prior to the outbreak of the Palestinian-Israeli war, Ynet, citing Israeli officials, reported that Israel and Saudi Arabia could sign an agreement to establish diplomatic relations at the beginning of 2024.