Israel 'cannot exist' without Palestinian state: Saudi FM
Israel has been staunchly opposed to a Palestinian state, which Riyadh says is necessary for any deal to normalize relations with Tel Aviv
It is “absolutely necessary” that Israel accepts that it cannot exist without the existence of a Palestinian state, Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan told reporters in Brussels on 26 May while affirming Palestinians' right to self-determination.
“I firmly believe that a two-state solution with the establishment of a credible Palestinian State serves … the interest of the Palestinians and delivers [on] their right to self-determination,” bin Farhan said on Sunday night, adding that Israel “doesn't get to decide whether or not the Palestinians have a right to self-determination.”
“It is also in the interest of Israel and delivers the security that Israel needs and deserves.”
The foreign minister's comments came as several European countries have unilaterally recognized Palestinian statehood.
Norway, Ireland, and Spain's recognition of Palestinian statehood “is not just symbolic.” It “re-emphasizes the viability of the two-state solution … So we encourage others to do so,” bin Farhan said.
The Saudi foreign minister met in Brussels with EU Foreign Policy chief Borrell, who stated that “the two-state solution is not a painful concession that Israel” must make, nor is it “a security threat” to Israel.
Many Western and European countries had in the past argued that Palestinian statehood should be recognized only after the establishment of such a state through the process of negotiations with Israel.
However, the Jerusalem Post notes that the Israeli government's vocal opposition to any Palestinian state has led some European countries to change their position and recognize Palestinian statehood unilaterally.
Meanwhile, the US and Saudi Arabia continue to discuss a defense pact, which the US has offered as part of a package to entice the kingdom to normalize ties with Israel.
Saudi Arabia has said no normalization with Israel is possible until a credible pathway to a Palestinian state has been established.
The Times of Israel reported that the US is expected to lift a ban on the sale of offensive weapons to Saudi Arabia in the coming weeks as part of the ongoing negotiations.
On Wednesday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the US and Saudi Arabia were very close to reaching agreements on nuclear energy, security, and defense cooperation as part of a broader normalization deal with Israel.
The White House has made Saudi–Israeli normalization an important objective. President Joe Biden hopes to reach a deal before the upcoming presidential election.