Islamabad, Feb 13: Former U.S. President Donald Trump has proposed that the United States, with support from Saudi Arabia, should take control and redevelop the Gaza Strip. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also expressed optimism about a potential peace agreement between Israel and Saudi Arabia.
However, Saudi Arabia swiftly rejected the idea, reaffirming Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s (MBS) stance that any normalization with Israel must include a commitment to an independent Palestinian state. The kingdom firmly opposed any actions that infringe upon Palestinian rights or attempt to displace them.
Trump has prioritized a broad Middle East agreement in his foreign policy agenda. Meanwhile, MBS views the deal as an opportunity to secure defense, technology, and nuclear cooperation from the U.S. However, Trump’s suggestion to relocate two million Palestinians to an unspecified area—criticized as ethnic cleansing—puts MBS in a difficult position. Amid Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza, Saudi Arabia’s youth and the broader Muslim community have become increasingly vocal about their support for Palestine. Any miscalculation could trigger regional instability.
Dr. Bader Al Saif, a professor at Kuwait University, noted that Trump often escalates negotiations to push for a middle-ground solution, as seen in recent dealings with Canada, Mexico, and Colombia. However, he emphasized that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is uniquely complex and requires careful diplomacy.
Trump has also pressured Saudi Arabia to reduce oil prices and invest $600 billion in the U.S. MBS, in turn, hopes these concessions will encourage Washington to support Palestinian statehood. According to sources, MBS understands that any agreement lacking clear steps toward Palestinian independence would create domestic and regional challenges, especially after he condemned Israel’s military actions in Gaza as “genocide.”
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While some speculate that MBS might accept a phased approach to Palestinian statehood if the U.S. meets his demands for security and economic agreements, Saudi officials have made it clear that progress toward statehood is a prerequisite for normalization. The Saudi ambassador to the UK recently reinforced this position, stating that the kingdom has clear red lines on the issue.
Despite ongoing discussions, Netanyahu’s far-right coalition remains firmly opposed to Palestinian statehood. The Gaza ceasefire, brokered by the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt, remains fragile, with negotiations continuing on extending the truce.
MBS faces additional challenges, including balancing relations with Iran, Saudi Arabia’s regional rival. While recent diplomatic efforts have eased tensions, any sudden move toward normalization with Israel could disrupt this fragile détente. Saudi officials have also warned that prolonging Israel’s military actions without a two-state solution will fuel extremism.
As diplomatic talks progress, the future of Saudi-Israel relations remains uncertain. However, Riyadh’s position is clear: normalization is contingent on Palestinian sovereignty.
