Trump Questions Saudi Condition on Linking Israel Normalization to Palestinian Statehood
WASHINGTON:
Former US President Donald Trump has challenged Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s stance that normalization with Israel must depend on creating a Palestinian state. He expressed doubt that the Saudi leader is “serious” about the condition.
Trump Predicts Saudi Entry into Abraham Accords
Speaking with CBS’s 60 Minutes, Trump said he believes Saudi Arabia will eventually join the Abraham Accords, which he brokered during his presidency.
“I think he will join the agreements,” Trump stated. “We will reach a solution. I’m not sure if it will be a two-state solution — that depends on Israel, the other parties, and me as well.”
The Abraham Accords, signed in 2020, established diplomatic relations between Israel and several Arab nations, including the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain. According to Trump, Saudi participation is “inevitable” as regional interests continue to align.
Saudi Arabia Maintains Its Official Position
However, Saudi officials have consistently reiterated that normalization with Israel must follow “a just and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian issue.”
The kingdom’s policy, grounded in the Arab Peace Initiative, calls for an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital. Despite Trump’s remarks, Riyadh shows no sign of abandoning that position.
Iran Remains a Key Challenge
Trump also identified Iran’s nuclear program as a major obstacle to expanding regional peace efforts. He claimed that US airstrikes against Iranian facilities last June reduced Tehran’s influence and opened the way for future negotiations.
“We hit Iran hard, then it was time to stop, so we stopped,” he said, describing the strikes as a calculated deterrent.
Renewed Push for Middle East Diplomacy
Trump’s comments come amid fresh US efforts to revive the normalization process between Israel and Arab states.
Analysts note that the discussion reflects a broader struggle between regional diplomacy and long-standing political conditions. As talks progress, Saudi Arabia’s position on Palestine remains a defining factor in shaping Middle East peace.
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