Despite US President Donald Trump’s optimism about Saudi Arabia normalising ties with Israel, Riyadh remains firm that any such move must be tied to a credible roadmap for Palestinian statehood.
Trump has repeatedly highlighted the potential expansion of the Abraham Accords, under which the UAE, Bahrain, and Morocco have already normalised relations with Israel, but Saudi officials have conveyed that their position has not changed.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MbS) is scheduled to visit the White House this month, but sources indicate that he is unlikely to discuss formalising relations with Israel without explicit progress on the Palestinian issue. Analysts note that the Crown Prince may use his meetings with Trump to secure more explicit US support for establishing a sovereign Palestinian state.
The Saudi stance is rooted in both political and security considerations. Recognising Israel is highly sensitive in Saudi Arabia, where public mistrust remains high, particularly following Israel’s military actions in Gaza and ongoing conflict with Hamas.
Riyadh has emphasized that any progress requires a clear Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, deployment of an international protection force, and restoration of the Palestinian Authority’s governance in the territory. These steps are considered prerequisites for a viable two-state solution.
While Trump has pushed for normalisation as part of strengthening US influence in the region, Saudi Arabia is prioritising national security and regional stability. Riyadh intends to focus the upcoming US visit on defence cooperation and investment rather than the politically charged issue of Israeli normalisation.
The anticipated defence agreement will expand cooperation on advanced technology and military support, although it falls short of the full, Congress-ratified treaty Saudi Arabia initially sought.
The pact is designed as a stepping stone, with provisions allowing future US administrations to elevate it to a full treaty once conditions on regional security and Palestinian statehood are addressed.
Saudi officials stress that normalisation with Israel is directly linked to the resolution of the Palestinian question and broader regional stability. Until concrete progress on Palestinian statehood is achieved, Saudi Arabia is unlikely to compromise on its longstanding position.
This approach underscores Riyadh’s commitment to balancing strategic ties with the United States while safeguarding national security and upholding its role in the Palestinian cause.
