Saudi Arabia has strongly condemned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s statements on displacing Palestinians, marking one of its most assertive stances in recent years. In a statement issued by the Saudi Foreign Ministry, the Kingdom rejected any attempts to remove Palestinians from their land, emphasizing that the Palestinian cause remains central to the Arab and Muslim world.
#Statement | The Foreign Ministry expresses the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s strong warning of the seriousness of the extremist statements by an Israeli official regarding the annexation of the occupied West Bank, and the construction and expansion of settlements. pic.twitter.com/aNuPSiNXFq
— Foreign Ministry 🇸🇦 (@KSAmofaEN) November 13, 2024
“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia appreciates the condemnation, disapproval, and total rejection announced by the brotherly countries towards what Benjamin Netanyahu stated regarding the displacement of the Palestinian people from their land,” the statement read. It further criticized Israel’s continued aggression in Gaza, calling it a form of ethnic cleansing that has resulted in over 160,000 casualties, mostly women and children.
Saudi Arabia made it clear that it stands firmly against any narrative that undermines Palestinian rights, stating that Israel’s actions reflect an “occupying mentality” that disregards historical, legal, and moral obligations. The Kingdom reiterated that Palestinians have an undeniable right to their homeland and that any long-term peace can only be achieved through a two-state solution.
Trump’s Controversial Proposal
The statement comes amid growing tensions following former U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement that the United States intends to “take over” Gaza after resettling its Palestinian population elsewhere. Trump made the comments during a joint press conference with Netanyahu, claiming that the U.S. could develop Gaza economically after the forced removal of its people.
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Saudi Arabia swiftly responded, stressing that its support for Palestinian statehood is non-negotiable. “The Kingdom stresses its categorical rejection to such statements that aim to divert attention from the continuous crimes committed by the Israeli occupation against the Palestinian brothers in Gaza,” the Foreign Ministry stated.
Riyadh also emphasized that attempts to remove Palestinians from their land evoke fears of a second “Nakba”—the mass displacement of Palestinians that occurred during the establishment of Israel in 1948. Any proposal suggesting resettlement of Palestinians elsewhere is viewed as a direct attack on their national identity and historical connection to their homeland.
The Struggle for Normalization
The Saudi position deals a major blow to U.S. efforts to secure a normalization agreement between Israel and Saudi Arabia. Before the Gaza war erupted in October 2023, Washington had been leading diplomatic efforts to bring Riyadh into the Abraham Accords—a series of agreements through which the UAE and Bahrain formally recognized Israel in 2020. However, the ongoing Israeli offensive in Gaza has led Saudi Arabia to put normalization talks on hold.
Trump has expressed hopes that Saudi Arabia would join the accords, following the example of its Gulf neighbors. Israel views normalization with Saudi Arabia as a “grand prize” due to its geopolitical influence and economic power as the world’s largest oil exporter. However, the Kingdom has made clear that recognition of Israel is contingent on the establishment of a Palestinian state.
“The proponents of these extremist ideas are the ones who prevented Israel from accepting peace by refusing peaceful coexistence,” the Saudi statement declared, blaming Israel’s policies for obstructing peace efforts over the past 75 years. The Kingdom reaffirmed that true peace cannot be achieved without acknowledging Palestinian sovereignty and adhering to the principles of justice and international law.
Saudi Arabia’s Growing Influence
Saudi Arabia’s firm stance highlights its evolving role as a leading voice in the Arab and Muslim world on the Palestinian issue. By rejecting Netanyahu’s statements and Trump’s proposal, Riyadh has signaled that it will not succumb to external pressure to normalize ties with Israel at the expense of Palestinian rights.
The Kingdom reiterated that lasting peace is only possible through a two-state solution, urging global powers to return to “the logic of reason and the principles of peaceful coexistence.” As the Gaza war continues, Saudi Arabia’s rejection of displacement policies strengthens regional opposition to Israeli actions and reinforces the Palestinian struggle for self-determination.