Saudi Arabia to US: No diplomatic relations with Israel without Palestinian state

RIYADH — Saudi Arabia said there will be no diplomatic relations between the Kingdom and Israel unless Palestinians had an independent state, state news agency SPA reported early on Wednesday citing a statement from the foreign ministry.

The statement by the foreign ministry said Riyadh was steadfast in Palestinians obtaining what it said were their legitimate rights.

“The Kingdom has communicated its firm position to the US administration that there will be no diplomatic relations with Israel unless an independent Palestinian state is recognized on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital,” the statement said.

The official note addressed comments attributed to the US National Security (Council) Spokesperson John Kirby, without describing his remarks.
Reuters reported on Tuesday that “Kirby said that the Biden administration has received positive feedback that Saudi Arabia and Israel are willing to continue to have normalization discussions.”

The Saudi statement also demanded the “Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip stops and all Israeli occupation forces withdraw from the Gaza Strip”.

The Kingdom called on permanent members of the UN Security Council to “expedite the recognition of the Palestinian state.”

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh on Monday.

The diplomat is on a regional tour to discuss with allies the situation in Gaza. He arrived in Israel after visiting Egypt and Qatar on Tuesday.