In a recent interview with Israel’s Channel 14, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu suggested that Saudi Arabia could establish a Palestinian state within its own borders, citing the kingdom’s ample land resources.

He stated, “The Saudis can create a Palestinian state in Saudi Arabia; they have a lot of land over there.”

Netanyahu emphasized that he would not agree to any arrangement that might compromise Israel’s security, particularly the creation of a Palestinian state.

Reflecting on past events, he remarked, “Especially not a Palestinian state. After October 7? Do you know what that is?

There was a Palestinian state, it was called Gaza. Gaza, led by Hamas, was a Palestinian state, and look what we got – the biggest massacre since the Holocaust.”

These comments come amid ongoing discussions about normalizing relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia.

Netanyahu expressed optimism about the potential for such a development, stating, “I think peace between Israel and Saudi Arabia is not only feasible, I think it’s going to happen.”

However, Saudi Arabia has consistently maintained that normalization with Israel is contingent upon the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.

The Saudi foreign ministry reiterated this stance, emphasizing the kingdom’s “firm and unwavering” position on the matter.

This divergence in perspectives highlights the complexities involved in Middle Eastern diplomacy, particularly concerning the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the broader regional dynamics.