Arab Nations Condemn Netanyahu’s Proposal for Palestinian State in Saudi Arabia
Arab countries have united in strong condemnation of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recent suggestion that a Palestinian state could be established in Saudi Arabia. The proposal has been labeled a violation of Palestinian and Saudi sovereignty, as well as international law.
During an interview with Israel’s Channel 14, Netanyahu stated, “Saudis can establish a Palestinian state in Saudi Arabia; they have plenty of land there.” The remark sparked immediate backlash across the Arab world.
Palestinian Leaders Denounce the Proposal
The Palestinian Foreign Ministry condemned Netanyahu’s proposal as “racist and anti-peace,” calling it “an infringement on Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty and stability.” The ministry expressed full support for Saudi Arabia against what it termed Israeli incitement and urged the international community to denounce the suggestion.
Hussein al-Sheikh, Secretary-General of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), criticized the Israeli statements as an attack on Saudi sovereignty. On his X account, he wrote, “The State of Palestine will only be on the land of Palestine,” emphasizing that Netanyahu’s comments violate international law and conventions.
Regional Solidarity with Saudi Arabia
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) labeled Netanyahu’s remarks as “unacceptable and provocative.” UAE Minister of State Khalifa Bin Shaheen Almarar reiterated his country’s unwavering solidarity with Saudi Arabia, underscoring a commitment to the kingdom’s security, stability, and sovereignty.
“There will be no stability in the region without a two-state solution,” Almarar asserted, emphasizing the UAE’s opposition to actions undermining Palestinian rights or forcing displacement. He called for an immediate halt to settlement activities, warning they threaten regional stability and peace prospects.
Egypt and Sudan Join in Condemnation
Egypt’s Foreign Ministry condemned the statements as “irresponsible and utterly unacceptable,” viewing them as a direct violation of Saudi sovereignty and international law. The ministry urged the international community to denounce such remarks, highlighting the threat they pose to the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.
The Sudanese Foreign Ministry also criticized the Israeli government’s words as “irresponsible remarks,” stating they represent an escalation in violating Palestinian rights. Sudan reaffirmed its support for the Palestinian cause and called for adherence to international laws and resolutions.
Awaiting Saudi Response
As of now, there has been no official response from Saudi Arabia regarding Netanyahu’s proposal. The international community watches closely for any developments, as tensions rise over the controversial suggestion.
The unified stance of Arab nations highlights the sensitive nature of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the complexities of Middle Eastern geopolitics. The call for a two-state solution remains a central theme in the pursuit of lasting peace in the region.
