Saudi Arabia Denies Trump’s Claim, Rejects Israel Normalisation Without Palestinian State

WASHINGTON, Feb 5 (Bernama-AA) -- Saudi Arabia on Wednesday reaffirmed its stance that it will not normalise relations with Israel without the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, rejecting a claim by United States (US) President Donald Trump that Riyadh had dropped the demand.

The Saudi Foreign Ministry issued a statement emphasising that the kingdom’s position remains “firm and unwavering” following Trump’s remarks during a meeting Tuesday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirms that Saudi Arabia’s position on the establishment of a Palestinian state is firm and unwavering,” read the statement.

“His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, clearly and unequivocally reaffirmed this stance during his speech at the opening of the first session of the ninth term of the Shura Council on September 18, 2024.”

The statement recalled that the crown prince reiterated the kingdom’s commitment during the Arab-Islamic Summit held in Riyadh on Nov 11 last year, stressing the need for a Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders and an end to the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories.

"Saudi Arabia emphasises that this unwavering position is non-negotiable and not subject to compromises.

“Achieving lasting and just peace is impossible without the Palestinian people obtaining their legitimate rights by international resolutions, as has been previously clarified to both the former and current US administrations," added the statement.

During the meeting, Trump also announced plans to visit Israel, Gaza, Saudi Arabia and other locations in the Middle East.

-- BERNAMA-AA