Dr. Mahmoud Al-Habbash: The Saudi position rejecting normalization with Israel without establishing a Palestinian state is a cornerstone in strengthening the Palestinian position

Dr. Ahmed Jamil Azm: The Saudi position will have an important impact, especially if it crystallizes within an Arab position, and the upcoming Arab summit will be a pivotal station.

Hani Al-Masry: Saudi Arabia is a pivotal regional power with economic, political and religious weight, which makes its positions have great international influence.

Dr. Omar Awadallah: Saudi Arabia has proven once again that it is a regional power that leads Arab and Islamic positions and establishes the principle of defending Palestine as a central issue

Palestinian leaders, political analysts, and academics have stressed that reorganizing the Palestinian house is the key factor in bringing about a real shift in the map of the conflict, and not just the Saudi or Arab position. Restoring the role of the Palestine Liberation Organization, unifying the Palestinian ranks within a collective leadership, and adopting a clear national strategy to confront the occupation are the key to any strategic change, as the absence of Palestinian action will lead to the consolidation of the Israeli fait accompli.

At the same time, Saudi Arabia stands out as an effective regional power with great influence in supporting the Palestinian cause politically and diplomatically, as its firm position in rejecting normalization without establishing a Palestinian state, and rejecting displacement plans, strengthens the Arab and international position, making it a major player in confronting Israeli plans. However, the success of any Arab or international effort depends on effective internal Palestinian action, to ensure that Saudi and Arab support is invested in achieving tangible results on the ground.

Strategic support for the Palestinian cause

Dr. Mahmoud Al-Habbash, advisor to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, said in an exclusive interview with Al-Quds that the Saudi position rejecting normalization with Israel without establishing an independent Palestinian state represents a cornerstone in strengthening the Arab position and strengthening the Palestinian position in the face of attempts to liquidate the Palestinian cause. He explained that Saudi Arabia is not a marginal state, but rather a "pivotal state in the Arab, Islamic, regional and international system," which makes its position have a profound impact on determining the course of the Palestinian cause at the Arab and international levels.

Al-Habash added that the steadfastness and clarity of the Saudi position constitutes a source of strength for the Palestinians, especially under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, as he stressed that the Kingdom "rejects any form of relationship with Israel unless it is through a just political solution in accordance with international legitimacy resolutions, which guarantees the end of the occupation and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital, a connected and viable state, free of occupation and settlement."

Confronting displacement attempts and strengthening Palestinian steadfastness

Regarding the extremist Israeli calls aimed at displacing the Palestinians, Al-Habash stressed the importance of taking practical steps on the Palestinian level to confront these challenges, noting that the first of these steps is “the return of the Palestinian National Authority to the Gaza Strip, which sends a clear message that the Palestinian land is one, under one political leadership, within one state and a unified political region.”

He explained that "strengthening the steadfastness of the citizens in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank is the key to confronting any attempts to displace the Palestinians from their land," stressing that this steadfastness must be supported by the basic necessities of life, such as food, drink and shelter, to ensure that the Palestinians feel that they can remain in their land with clear Arab support.

He pointed out that the unified Arab position is one of the most important factors in thwarting the displacement plan, as he stressed that "the positions expressed by His Majesty King Abdullah II, President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, and the official Saudi position all came with a categorical rejection of any attempt to deport the Palestinians or liquidate their cause," stressing that this Arab cohesion, which is in complete harmony with the Palestinian steadfastness, constitutes a strong wall in the face of these plans, and he added, "We are certain that we can thwart this plan, and we will thwart it as we thwarted other attempts to liquidate the Palestinian cause."

Investing Saudi support in international movement

Regarding the investment of the Saudi position at the international level, Al-Habash stressed that “the international position is essentially based on the Arab position, which makes the unified Arab position a driving force in international forums to support the rights of the Palestinians.” He explained that Palestinian movements in international organizations depend on Arab support, saying: “We are moving in a purely Palestinian manner, but we are also moving within the framework of a collective Palestinian-Arab movement, because the firm Arab position is a pillar of the international position, and we certainly benefit from it in mobilizing international support for our cause and our vision based on international legitimacy.”

At the end of his speech, Al-Habash stressed that "the Saudi position represents a strategic opportunity that must be built upon by Palestinians and Arabs to confront current challenges," stressing that Palestinian unity and Arab cohesion are the only way to thwart attempts to impose coercive solutions that ignore legitimate Palestinian rights.

Putting the Palestinian House in Order is the Key to Real Transformation in the Conflict

For his part, Professor of Political Science Dr. Ahmed Jamil Azm said that the real shift in the map of the conflict will not result from a Saudi or Arab position as much as it is dependent on the internal Palestinian action and the reorganization of the Palestinian house.

Azm stressed that "the basic variable that may redraw the equation of the conflict is the rearrangement of the Palestinian house, the restoration of the Palestine Liberation Organization to its basic role, and the return of the Palestinian national movement to its natural role."

He stressed that "the absence of collective leadership and the freezing of the Palestinian people's energies will not lead to any change, but will keep the Palestinians between two states: either stagnation and wasting opportunities, or surrendering to a deteriorating Israeli reality."

He added: "The Israeli reality does not wait for anyone. If the Palestinians do not resist, and there is no organized national action, the Israeli side will not stop imposing new facts on the ground," stressing that "sufficing with the role of maintaining security and adapting to Israeli policies without a clear national plan to confront the occupation will be destructive."

The Saudi position: its roots and dimensions after October 7

Regarding the reasons for the Saudi position rejecting normalization without a just solution to the Palestinian issue, Azm pointed out that this position is not new, but rather dates back to before the events of October 7, when there were efforts to reach a set of regional understandings that were not essentially Saudi-Israeli, but rather revolved around a joint defense agreement between Saudi Arabia and the United States.

Azm explained, “Before October 7, there was no talk of a Saudi-Israeli normalization agreement, but rather of reorganizing US-Saudi relations. There was talk of signing charters and agreements between the two countries, and passing them in Congress required the approval of the Israeli lobby. Therefore, normalization was not a goal in itself, but rather a means to facilitate this process. However, the Saudi side was stipulating a solution that would satisfy the Palestinians before proceeding with any understandings.”

“But the events of October 7 halted these efforts and rearranged priorities, and Trump’s arrival brought about another shift in the scene. While Biden was seeking to present a new vision to rearrange Saudi-American relations, through initiatives such as the “Green Corridor” that was supposed to link India to Europe via the Gulf and Israel, Trump “does not have a comprehensive strategic vision for the region, but rather prefers to deal with each country individually.”

Saudi position and its potential impact in confronting Trump's plan

Regarding the impact of the Saudi position in confronting the American and Israeli trends, Azm believes that “the Saudi position will have an important impact, especially if it crystallizes within a unified Arab position that includes Egypt, Jordan, Qatar and the Emirates,” noting that the upcoming Arab summit on the 27th of this month will be a pivotal station, adding that “if the Arab summit comes out with a unified position that categorically rejects Trump’s plan, this will be a major step towards stopping the deterioration in the Palestinian issue.”

He also pointed out that Saudi Arabia played an important role, alongside Jordan and other countries, in pushing some European countries, such as Spain and Norway, to recognize the Palestinian state, which reflects the role it can play at the diplomatic level and international relations in pressuring in favor of Palestinian rights.

But despite the importance of this role, Azm stresses that “the basic dilemma still lies in the situation on the ground within the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, and the rest of Palestine. Without serious internal Palestinian action, any Arab or international position will remain insufficient to achieve real change.”

He added: "The Saudi and Arab position can help stop the deterioration, but the radical solution begins from within Palestine. What is required today is to put the Palestinian house in order, unify the ranks, and adopt a clear national strategy to confront the occupation. Without that, the Palestinians will remain in a position of reaction instead of being an active party in shaping their political future."

The top priority is to put the Palestinian house in order.

At the end of his interview with Al-Quds, Azm stressed that any changes on the regional and international scene, no matter how influential, will not be sufficient without a genuine Palestinian initiative to reorganize the internal house, reunify the Palestinian leadership within the PLO, and activate the role of the factions within a comprehensive national framework.

Azm believes that “real change will not come from outside, but from within Palestine. If the Palestinians do not unite and adopt a comprehensive national vision, the Israeli occupation will continue to impose its facts, and Arab and international efforts will remain within the framework of limiting damage, not bringing about strategic change in favor of the Palestinians.”

The Saudi position changes the balance of the conflict and gives the Arabs a strategic opportunity

The Director General of the Palestinian Center for Policy Research and Strategic Studies (Masarat), Hani Al-Masri, spoke to Al-Quds about the Saudi position rejecting normalization with Israel without establishing an independent Palestinian state, and its opposition to displacement and annexation plans, noting that this position constitutes a “decisive turning point in regional and international equations.”

Al-Masry explained that "Riyadh has become more capable of political maneuvering and less dependent on the United States, which has given it a wider space to make decisions that reflect its independence and regional position."

Al-Masry stressed that international and regional transformations played a fundamental role in Saudi Arabia taking this firm stance, explaining that “Saudi Arabia is not just an ordinary country, but a pivotal regional power that enjoys economic, political and religious weight, which makes its positions have a great impact on the international level.

He added: “What is being proposed by the US and Israel today affects Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty and independence, which is beyond the realm of possibility. The international environment has changed, and the US is no longer the absolute dominant party in the international system. It is true that it is still the world’s number one country, but the distance between it and China is rapidly shrinking, especially in some areas where Beijing has outperformed Washington. This change has given Saudi Arabia, and Arab countries in general, more room to maneuver and take more independent positions.”

Al-Masry pointed out that Saudi Arabia “is no longer in the same political position it was in during Trump’s first term,” explaining that Prince Mohammed bin Salman, at that time, was seeking “to establish his political legitimacy amidst great pressures, most notably the assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, which made him more open to cooperating with Washington at the time. Today, the situation is completely different, as Riyadh has strengthened its relations with China with investments exceeding $120 billion, consolidated its cooperation with Russia, and improved its relations with Iran after the agreement that was sponsored by China in Beijing, which reduced its need for American and Israeli support.”

Saudi Arabia refuses to undermine its role and prestige

Al-Masry stressed that recent regional events, "such as the Israeli war on Gaza and Lebanon, and the subsequent calls to displace Palestinians and annex the West Bank, posed a direct threat to Saudi Arabia's role and regional prestige." He explained that what happened in Gaza and what could happen after it in terms of displacing Palestinians or annexing the West Bank is a direct attack on Saudi Arabia's role, which it cannot accept. In addition, the improvement of relations with Iran and the decline of American influence are all factors that have contributed to reducing Saudi Arabia's need for American and Israeli protection, allowing it to take a more balanced and independent position.

The Saudi position and its impact on international alliances

Regarding the impact of this position on the global balance of power, Al-Masry believes that “Saudi Arabia’s rejection of displacement and annexation plans, and its enormous economic influence, may push the US administration to reconsider its policies,” noting that Trump, who is considered “a man of deals and not an ideologue,” may back down if he feels that his decisions will affect his deals.

“If Saudi Arabia decides to use its power cards, such as its massive investments ranging from $600 billion to $1 trillion, as a means of pressure against attempts to displace Palestinians or annex the West Bank, this will put the US administration in a real predicament,” he added, stressing that these are “not just theoretical bets, but a political reality based on clear economic calculations.”

But Al-Masry stressed that the success of this pressure "depends on the ability of Arab countries to invest in the Saudi position and not just denounce and condemn as happened in the past," explaining that "if Arab countries adopt effective policies based on economic and political interests, and not just statements of rejection, they may be able to pressure the US administration to change its position on the Palestinian issue. But if it continues with the same traditional approach, Trump will go his way without hesitation."

A real test of Arab unity

Regarding the upcoming Arab summit at the end of this month, Al-Masry pointed out that it “represents a real test of the Arab position, as it could be a turning point towards ‘opening a new page in the Arab role, or remaining within the framework of decisions that remain mere ink on paper’,” stressing that there is “a real opportunity to adopt a unified and influential Arab position, provided that the summit is preceded by internal Palestinian consensus.”

He pointed out that "the summit can unite the Palestinians, but the Palestinians themselves must take a step towards unity before it is held to ensure positive results. The upcoming Arab summit can unite them if it wants, and Saudi Arabia and the Arab countries can even impose Palestinian unity as a strategic necessity. Hamas is fully aware that the absence of Palestinian and Arab legitimacy makes its situation more complicated."

A historic opportunity that must be invested

In conclusion, Al-Masry stressed that “the Saudi position represents a decisive turning point in the map of conflict in the Middle East, and provides Arab countries with an opportunity to enhance their role in protecting the rights of Palestinians,” stressing that “what we are witnessing today is a critical moment. Either the Arab countries will invest in this position and redraw the equation of the conflict, or miss the opportunity as happened in previous stages. The options are still open, but what is certain is that the regional and international scene is no longer as it was, and that the Saudi position has become a factor that cannot be ignored in any future political equation.”

Saudi Arabia is a leading diplomatic force in rejecting displacement and normalization

In turn, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates for United Nations Affairs and Specialized Organizations, Dr. Omar Awadallah, said in an interview with Al-Quds that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia plays a pivotal role in defending the Palestinian cause, whether at the Arab, Islamic or international levels, pointing out that its position rejecting normalization without establishing an independent Palestinian state, and its categorical opposition to forced displacement plans, strengthens the Palestinian, Arab and international position in confronting Israeli policies.

Awadallah explained that Saudi Arabia is not only a sister country to Palestine, but it is also the head of the Arab and Islamic summit, an active member of the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, in addition to its major role as a major player in the Gulf region and the international scene.

He added: Her role in defending the Palestinian cause extends to various international forums, as she chaired the ministerial committee that toured the world's capitals to mobilize support for the Palestinian cause, especially in light of the ongoing war of extermination against the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip for more than 15 months.

He pointed out that the Saudi position "contributed to empowering the Arab position, which strengthened international positions rejecting displacement and liquidation, stressing that the political path and stability in the Middle East region are closely linked to the existence of an internationally recognized Palestinian state."

Rejecting forced displacement and strengthening Palestinian unity

Regarding the Palestinian measures to confront displacement, Awadallah stressed that “the strong link between the Palestinian position and the Arab and Islamic positions strengthens the solidity of the Palestinian rejection since the beginning of the Israeli aggression, as the Palestinian leadership was clear from the first day that the Israeli intentions aim to exterminate the Palestinian people and impose forced displacement.”

He added: "The upcoming Arab summit on the 27th of this month represents an important opportunity to take a clear and direct Arab position, not only to reject displacement plans, but also to develop real alternatives based on the rights of the Palestinian people, and based on international law, and Arab and Islamic constants."

Awadallah explained that this movement will extend from the Arab Summit to the emergency ministerial meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and then to the United Nations, whether in the General Assembly or the Security Council, coinciding with the Human Rights Council session that will begin on the 24th of this month, noting that these efforts will work to strengthen the international position rejecting displacement and ethnic cleansing, and intensify accountability and holding Israel accountable for its crimes, based on international laws and the International Criminal Court.

crucial diplomatic and political support

Regarding the exploitation of the Saudi position in international pressure against attempts at normalization and displacement, Awadallah stressed that Saudi Arabia had said its word clearly, and it is the same word that expresses the position of the Arab and Islamic nation that the forced displacement of Palestinians constitutes a direct threat to Arab national security, and it is something that is rejected in its entirety.

He said: "This firm Saudi position strengthens the international position, and makes any Israeli move towards implementing displacement plans a real threat to international legitimacy, which pushes towards holding Israel accountable if it commits these crimes."

The Assistant Foreign Minister stressed that Saudi Arabia has once again proven that it is a regional power leading Arab and Islamic positions, and establishing the principle of defending Palestine as a central issue. He pointed out that "the Saudi position was swift and decisive. As soon as the press conference in which Israel announced its plans ended, the official Saudi statement was publicly available on all media platforms, reflecting the Kingdom's commitment to its historical role."

He added: Saudi Arabia is not only a partner in supporting the Palestinian cause, but it is also the leader of the global coalition to implement the two-state solution, and it is preparing to chair the international conference that will be held next June in cooperation with France, with the aim of pushing efforts towards a just political settlement based on implementing the United Nations resolutions and achieving the two-state solution.

He continued: “When Saudi Arabia speaks, it speaks as a global power that influences international decision-making. Therefore, its clear and decisive position in supporting Palestine and rejecting displacement and normalization without establishing a Palestinian state, strengthens Palestinian diplomatic efforts and places Israel before a historical responsibility that cannot be ignored.”

A firm Saudi position reflects a real commitment to the Palestinian cause

At the end of his speech, Awadallah stressed that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia proves day after day that it is a fundamental partner in defending Palestinian rights, and that it is leading diplomatic efforts to find a just and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian issue.

He said: “Saudi Arabia is not just a political supporter, but rather a diplomatic force leading real efforts at the Arab and international levels, and taking upon itself the responsibility of defending Palestine, not only in words, but in action and rapid action. This is what makes its position not merely a political position, but rather part of an Arab and international defense system that protects the rights of the Palestinians and confronts the threats targeting their existence.”