Saudi Arabia Reaffirms Firm Stance Against Normalizing Relations with Israel

According to Rokna, citing Reuters, Saudi Arabia remains unwilling to participate in the wave of normalization with Israel, despite persistent efforts by U.S. President Donald Trump.

Trump had previously indicated that Saudi Arabia might agree to normalize ties with Israel; however, it appears that this outcome will not materialize during Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to Washington this month.

Establishing diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel after decades of hostility could transform political and security equations in the Middle East while strengthening U.S. influence in the region.

Last month, Trump expressed hope that Saudi Arabia would “soon” join the Abraham Accords, agreements signed in 2020 with the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Morocco.

However, two Saudi sources told reporters that Riyadh has informed Washington through diplomatic channels that its position remains unchanged and that it will only participate in the normalization process if a clear roadmap for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state is agreed upon.

One source emphasized that Saudi Arabia aims to avoid misunderstandings and ensure full coordination with the United States before any public announcement.

According to Jonathan Panikoff, a former U.S. national intelligence official for Middle East affairs, the Saudi crown prince is likely to use the upcoming meeting to encourage Trump to offer more explicit support for the creation of a Palestinian state.

Saudi sources have stressed that, despite Trump’s push for normalization, no progress is possible in the absence of a tangible prospect for Palestinian statehood and with strong opposition from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Saudi officials also indicated that the main agenda of the bin Salman–Trump meeting will focus on military cooperation and investment. The two sides are expected to sign agreements defining a new framework for U.S. military support to Saudi Arabia and solidifying Washington’s military presence in the Persian Gulf.