Saudi Arabia rejects normalization with Israel under Netanyahu government

Saudi Arabia sees no possibility of establishing diplomatic relations with Israel under the current government led by Benjamin Netanyahu, according to an official cited by Israel’s Kan channel. The official stated that Riyadh’s position is based on policy rather than the individual leadership, noting that Netanyahu’s policies conflict with Saudi Arabia’s requirement for progress toward a two-state solution regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

While Saudi Arabia has not issued an official public reaction to recent Israeli election results, the official emphasized that the Palestinian issue remains the central pillar for any potential normalization agreement. Cooperation on other regional challenges, such as the Houthi movement in Yemen, will not serve as a substitute for a political settlement on the Palestinian cause.

Saudi Arabia expressed a desire for peace and negotiation, indicating it is waiting for an Israeli government, regardless of its leadership, that is prepared to negotiate a resolution to the conflict. Additionally, reports suggest Saudi Arabia encouraged the unification of Arab parties in Israel into a single electoral list to potentially influence the formation of a more open coalition, a move discussed with regional partners including Jordan and the Palestinian Authority.