Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan said the establishment of a Palestinian state is a key condition for normalizing relations with Israel. He also noted that several leading Western and Eastern countries have already begun to discuss specific steps towards recognition.
During informal discussions at the Global Coalition meeting in Riyadh on Wednesday, Prince Faisal bin Farhan noted that Saudi Arabia will make every effort to achieve a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. He also stressed the importance of implementing the two-state solution.
A two-day summit of the Global Alliance to Implement a Two-State Solution kicked off in the capital of Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, October 30. The event was attended by diplomats and envoys from 90 countries, as well as representatives of regional and international organizations, including the UNRWA agency, whose activities were banned in Israel.
The summit participants intend to present a concrete plan for implementing the creation of a Palestinian state and discuss practical steps for international support for this initiative.
Earlier, Kursor wrote that Saudi Arabia had suspended the process of normalizing relations with Israel, two sources from Riyadh confirmed. The United States tried to get Saudi Arabia to condemn Hamas, but Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan rejected this request.
In addition, Cursor has already reported that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman told American congressmen that his life is under threat due to intentions to conclude an agreement with the United States and Israel, which involves the normalization of relations between Riyadh and Jerusalem.
Interview: The Path to Normalization—A Discussion on Saudi-Israeli Relations and the Palestinian State
Time.news Editor: Today, we have the privilege of speaking with Dr. Sarah Al-Mansour, a leading expert on Middle Eastern politics and international relations. Welcome, Dr. Al-Mansour.
Dr. Sarah Al-Mansour: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to discuss such a critical topic.
Time.news Editor: Recently, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan indicated that establishing a Palestinian state is crucial for normalizing relations with Israel. What do you think are the implications of this statement for future diplomatic efforts?
Dr. Sarah Al-Mansour: Prince Faisal’s comments underscore a long-standing position in Middle Eastern diplomacy. The establishment of a Palestinian state has been central to peace negotiations for decades. His remarks signal that Saudi Arabia is not willing to compromise on this key issue. This approach could either halt normalization efforts or push countries to genuinely address the Palestinian cause in discussions with Israel.
Time.news Editor: During the recent summit in Riyadh, there was a focus on the two-state solution. How realistic is the implementation of this solution given the current geopolitical climate?
Dr. Sarah Al-Mansour: While the two-state solution has significant support from various countries and organizations, actual implementation remains complex. The summit aimed to develop a concrete plan for a Palestinian state, which is a positive step. However, with various conflicting interests in the region, achieving a sustainable peace agreement will require substantial commitment from all parties involved, especially from Israel regarding policies in the West Bank and Gaza.
Time.news Editor: There are reports that Saudi Arabia has suspended the normalization process with Israel. What does this mean for the Kingdom’s foreign policy moving forward?
Dr. Sarah Al-Mansour: Suspending normalization indicates that Saudi Arabia prioritizes its regional commitments over international pressures. This strategic choice reflects the Kingdom’s evolving role in Middle Eastern politics, highlighting its willingness to stand firm in support of Palestinian rights. The challenge for Saudi Arabia will be balancing its relationships with Western powers while maintaining its leadership role in the Muslim world, especially as they advocate for Palestinian statehood.
Time.news Editor: The United States recently tried to encourage Saudi Arabia to condemn Hamas, but the Foreign Minister rejected this request. What are the consequences of this stance for U.S.-Saudi relations?
Dr. Sarah Al-Mansour: By rejecting the request, Saudi Arabia is asserting its sovereignty in handling regional issues, which might strain U.S.-Saudi relations temporarily. However, the U.S. needs Saudi Arabia’s influence as a leader in the region and as a counterbalance to Iranian hegemony. It’s a delicate balance where both nations will need to navigate their dependence on each other while respecting their positions on global and regional issues.
Time.news Editor: In light of these discussions, what advice would you give to individuals seeking to understand the intricacies of Middle Eastern diplomacy, particularly regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict?
Dr. Sarah Al-Mansour: I encourage individuals to stay informed through reputable news sources and follow key players’ statements closely. Understanding historical contexts is crucial, as is recognizing how regional and global dynamics shape the situation. Furthermore, involving oneself in local or international advocacy can create awareness and lend support to humanitarian efforts that seek to uplift civilians affected by ongoing conflicts.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Al-Mansour, for sharing your insights. The path to normalization and a sustainable peace in the region is undoubtedly complex, and your expertise sheds light on these important issues.
Dr. Sarah Al-Mansour: Thank you for the opportunity. I look forward to seeing how the situation develops in the coming months.