Saudi Arabia firmly rejected comments made by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding the displacement of Palestinians, the Saudi foreign ministry announced on Sunday. The rejection follows recent statements by Israeli officials suggesting the establishment of a Palestinian state on Saudi territory.
Netanyahu appeared to make light of the issue during an interview on pro-Netanyahu Channel 14, where the interviewer mistakenly said “Saudi state” instead of “Palestinian state” before quickly correcting himself. While Netanyahu’s response seemed to be in jest, it has sparked serious concerns.
Riyadh’s statement, while directly naming Netanyahu, did not explicitly address the remarks about a Palestinian state being placed in Saudi Arabia. However, the kingdom reiterated its unwavering support for Palestinian sovereignty and its opposition to any forced displacement.
The controversy comes amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East and continued discussions on regional peace efforts. Saudi Arabia has long backed a two-state solution, advocating for a sovereign Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.
As geopolitical dynamics shift, Saudi Arabia’s firm stance underscores its commitment to Palestinian rights and regional stability. The kingdom’s response reflects broader concerns within the Arab world regarding any proposals that could undermine Palestinian sovereignty.