Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stirred controversy by suggesting that Saudi Arabia could allocate land for the establishment of a Palestinian state.
In an interview with Israeli news outlet Channel 14 on Thursday (6 February), Netanyahu remarked, "Saudi Arabia has plenty of empty land. If they wish, they could spare some space to create a Palestinian state."
Netanyahu firmly dismissed the prospect of establishing Palestinian residences in the West Bank and Gaza.
When questioned about the possibility of allowing Palestinians to remain in Gaza as part of a potential diplomatic normalisation deal with Saudi Arabia, he responded, "There is no question of entering into any such agreement that would jeopardise Israel’s sovereignty."
Citing the Hamas-led attack on Israel on 7 October 2023, Netanyahu framed it as a key reason for opposing recognition of a Palestinian state.
"Once upon a time, the Palestinians had a state. They lived in Gaza, under Hamas leadership. But at the cost of their existence, we witnessed the most significant humanitarian catastrophe since the Second World War," he asserted.
These remarks followed Netanyahu’s meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House in Washington.
Meanwhile, Trump has also complicated matters by proposing a permanent US military presence in Gaza, further escalating tensions.
Expressing optimism about a potential agreement with Saudi Arabia, Netanyahu stated, "The world stands on the threshold of a historic accord between the two sides."
However, Saudi Arabia remains steadfast in its stance, indicating no willingness to compromise without the recognition of a Palestinian state. The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that there will be no concessions on this matter.
Analysts speculate that Israel may refrain from exerting military force in Gaza until after forthcoming discussions with Saudi Arabia.
