Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud arrives at a side event during an event commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, at the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, December 12, 2023. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse/File Photo
On Tuesday, Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, expressed the possibility of the kingdom recognizing Israel in the event of a comprehensive agreement that includes statehood for the Palestinians. The statement was made during a panel discussion at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Prince Faisal emphasized that regional peace, inclusive of Israel, is contingent on the establishment of peace for the Palestinians through the creation of a Palestinian state.
In response to a query about whether Saudi Arabia would consider recognizing Israel as part of a broader political agreement, Prince Faisal affirmed, “Certainly.” He further highlighted ongoing efforts with the U.S. administration to work towards regional peace, particularly in the context of Gaza.
The potential normalization of ties between Saudi Arabia and Israel is considered a significant diplomatic achievement for Israel, following similar agreements with the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Morocco. Saudi Arabia, as a Sunni Muslim powerhouse and home to Islam’s most sacred sites, holds considerable religious influence globally.
Amid the Israel-Hamas conflict last October, Saudi Arabia reportedly postponed U.S.-backed plans for normalizing ties with Israel, reshuffling its diplomatic priorities. Sources familiar with Riyadh’s stance indicated a delay in talks on Saudi-Israel normalization, perceived as a crucial step for the kingdom to secure a U.S. defense pact.
Prior to the outbreak of hostilities on October 7, Israeli and Saudi leaders had signaled a progression towards diplomatic relations, potentially reshaping the Middle East. The longstanding Palestinian quest for statehood, with East Jerusalem as the capital, remains a key factor in the broader peace process. Previous U.S.-sponsored negotiations between the Palestinians and Israel stalled over a decade ago, encountering obstacles such as Israeli settlement activities and internal conflicts between Palestinian authorities and Hamas.
Prince Faisal expressed commitment to a better future for the region, advocating for peace as the pathway forward. He suggested that a ceasefire on all sides should serve as the starting point for a lasting and sustainable peace, emphasizing justice for the Palestinian people.
The Israeli government, particularly its hard-right leadership, has downplayed the likelihood of significant concessions to the Palestinians as part of any potential normalization agreement with Saudi Arabia.
The conflict in Gaza, initiated by Hamas militants in October, led to hostilities resulting in casualties and captives. Israel responded with a combination of siege, bombardment, and ground invasion, leading to widespread devastation in Gaza. The war has prompted concerns about broader regional instability, with clashes between Hezbollah and Israel along the Lebanon border and attacks on U.S. targets in Iraq by pro-Iranian militias. Additionally, Yemen’s Houthi rebels, aligned with Iran, have disrupted Red Sea shipping, linking their actions to Israel’s actions in Gaza.
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