During an interview with Israel’s Channel 14, Netanyahu stated, "Saudi Arabia can establish a Palestinian state in their own land. They have plenty of space." The remark quickly drew sharp criticism from various Arab nations, who viewed it as an attempt to deflect attention from Israel’s ongoing actions against Palestinians in Gaza.
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs swiftly rejected Netanyahu’s suggestion, reaffirming that Palestinians have the right to their own land. "Palestinians are not immigrants who can be expelled at will by Israel," the official Saudi statement read.
Harsh Reactions from Arab Countries
Arab nations, including Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Sudan, also condemned Netanyahu’s statement. Egypt’s Foreign Minister denounced the proposal as "irresponsible and entirely unacceptable," warning that it threatened Saudi Arabia’s security and sovereignty.
"The stability and security of Saudi Arabia are integral to the security of the entire Arab world, and this cannot be compromised," read the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs statement.
The UAE firmly rejected Netanyahu’s idea, with its Foreign Minister, Khalifa bin Shaheen Al-Marar, reiterating that the rights of the Palestinian people are non-negotiable. "There will be no stability in the region without a two-state solution," Al-Marar said.
Palestine: Netanyahu’s Proposal is Racist and Anti-Peace
The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs called Netanyahu’s proposal "racist and anti-peace," asserting that it violated Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty and Palestinian rights.
Hussein Al-Sheikh, Secretary-General of the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) Executive Committee, condemned Netanyahu’s remarks as a "violation of international law." Al-Sheikh emphasized that a Palestinian state can only be established on Palestinian soil.
"The Saudi stance, which consistently supports a two-state solution, remains a pillar for regional peace and security," Al-Sheikh tweeted on his X (formerly Twitter) account.
Normalization Talks Amid Rising Tensions
Netanyahu’s controversial statement comes at a time when Israel and Saudi Arabia appear to be moving further from a normalization agreement. Saudi Arabia has repeatedly stated that a clear path to Palestinian statehood is the only condition that could lead to formal relations with Israel. However, Netanyahu outright rejected this notion, labeling it a "security threat to Israel."
"After October 7th, you know what happened? Gaza, led by Hamas, is a Palestinian state, and look at the outcome," Netanyahu remarked, referencing recent tensions in Gaza.
Despite the backlash, Netanyahu remained optimistic about the possibility of a peace agreement with Saudi Arabia. "Not only is it possible, I believe it will happen," he said.
Islamic Cooperation Organization (OIC) Rejection
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) also condemned Netanyahu’s statement, calling it "racist and part of Israel’s continued denial of Palestinians’ historical rights." The OIC reaffirmed that the ethnic cleansing of Palestinians is a crime that violates international law.
"This statement is a blatant attempt to expel Palestinians from their homeland," the OIC stated, urging the international community to denounce Israel’s actions and uphold Palestinian rights.
Netanyahu’s suggestion that Palestinians should form a state in Saudi Arabia has not only ignited fierce protests but also solidified the Arab nations’ firm stance in supporting Palestinian rights. As tensions escalate, peace in the Middle East seems increasingly elusive unless a solution that respects Palestinian sovereignty and rights is achieved.