Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman declared on Wednesday that the kingdom would not recognize Israel without the establishment of a Palestinian state and vehemently denounced the 'crimes of the Israeli occupation' against the Palestinian people.
'The kingdom will not cease its relentless efforts towards the creation of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, and we assert that the kingdom will not forge diplomatic relations with Israel without this condition,' stated the crown prince, commonly referred to as MbS.
Following the outbreak of conflict in October between Israel and the militant Palestinian group Hamas, which governs Gaza, Saudi Arabia suspended plans, supported by the US, to normalize ties with Israel, according to two sources well-versed in Riyadh's strategic thinking. Earlier this year, MbS had indicated that Riyadh was nearing a deal.
The two sources informed Reuters that there would be a delay in the US-backed discussions on the normalization of Saudi-Israeli relations, which is viewed as a crucial step for the kingdom to secure what it perceives as the ultimate prize: a US defense pact.
MbS delivered these remarks during an annual address to the advisory Shura Council, which he presented on behalf of his father, King Salman. Prior to his speech, the council took an oath of office in MbS's presence.
