Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister declares normalization with Israel is off the table without the creation of a Palestinian state, citing Gaza devastation and Palestinian rights as key obstacles.
“No State, No Deal”: Saudi Arabia Freezes Normalization with Israel Amid Gaza Crisis and Palestinian Demands
In a decisive diplomatic declaration, Saudi Arabia’s top diplomat Prince Faisal bin Farhan stated Monday that the kingdom will not normalize ties with Israel without the creation of a Palestinian state, reaffirming Riyadh’s longstanding stance in the wake of regional upheaval.
Speaking at a joint UN press conference with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, the Saudi foreign minister made clear that normalization is non-negotiable without Palestinian statehood.
“Normalization can only come through the establishment of a Palestinian state,” Prince Faisal said. “Sustainable peace and true regional integration cannot exist without honoring the Palestinian right to self-determination.”
🕊️ Gaza War Derailed Momentum
The statement comes after months of speculation about a potential Saudi-Israeli normalization breakthrough, a project that had gained momentum prior to Hamas’s October 7 massacre. That attack—and Israel’s subsequent war in Gaza—led Riyadh to suspend all US-brokered discussions.
“There is no credibility to talk of normalization while Gaza suffers destruction and death daily,” Prince Faisal added.
🇸🇦 Riyadh Doubles Down as Macron, Trump Enter the Arena
Prince Faisal’s remarks also followed French President Emmanuel Macron’s bombshell announcement that France would recognize a Palestinian state by September 2025, sparking both praise and alarm across diplomatic circles.
Meanwhile, former U.S. President Donald Trump is still actively pursuing a normalization agreement between Israel and Saudi Arabia. In a recent confidential White House meeting, Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman reportedly discussed steps toward potential normalization—although it wasn’t the primary focus.
Despite these efforts, Riyadh’s position remains unwavering.
“There will be no peace without justice,” Prince Faisal emphasized, suggesting Israel’s postwar strategy in Gaza will directly impact any future progress.
🧭 What This Means for the Region:
- Saudi Arabia is reaffirming the Arab Peace Initiative: Palestinian statehood first, normalization second.
- The Gaza war is now a central roadblock to Israeli-Saudi diplomatic progress.
- Trump’s regional strategy, focused on Israel-Saudi rapprochement, now hinges on how Israel addresses Palestinian demands.
- France’s support for Palestinian statehood may embolden other nations to follow suit, increasing international pressure on Israel.
