The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement regarding the ongoing discussions between the Kingdom and the United States regarding the path to Arab-Israeli peace.

In its statement, the ministry said: “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that with regard to the ongoing discussions between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United States of America regarding the path of Arab-Israeli peace, and in light of what was stated by the spokesman for the US National Security Council in this regard, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirms that the position of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been and remains consistent regarding the Palestinian issue and the need for the brotherly Palestinian people to obtain their legitimate rights.”

The statement added: “The Kingdom also communicated its firm position to the American administration that there will be no diplomatic relations with Israel unless the independent Palestinian state is recognized on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, the Israeli aggression against the Gaza Strip is stopped, and all members of the Israeli occupation forces are withdrawn from the Gaza Strip.” 

He continued: The Kingdom affirms its call to the international community - and in particular - the permanent members of the Security Council that have not yet recognized the Palestinian state, to accelerate the recognition of the Palestinian state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, so that the Palestinian people can achieve their legitimate rights and achieve a comprehensive and just peace for all. 

Earlier Tuesday night, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said that Saudi Arabia still has a “strong interest” in normalizing relations with Israel, but Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman made clear that the war in Gaza must end and there must be “A clear, credible and time-bound path to establishing a Palestinian state.”