Saudi Arabia's Prince Turki Al-Faisal stated that normalization with Israel will only happen after the establishment of a Palestinian state.
Saudi Crown Prince MBS demands US and Israeli commitments on a Palestinian state, citing security fears as he negotiates a historic deal.
An open process leading to a formal agreement that will bring normalization between Israel and Saudi Arabia does not seem to be in the offing.
Despite the Israel-Hamas war, efforts for Israel-Saudi normalization persist, driven by unchanged U.S. and Saudi motives.
The Saudi proposal opens up the path to recognition of Israel by other states in the Middle East and in the Muslim world.
As a preliminary component of the deal, Israel would have to agree to a complete ceasefire and Palestinian statehood.
Netanyahu must make tough decisions and take appropriate steps for the diplomatic and security development of Israel, the Middle East, and potentially the whole Western world.
“Unfortunately, this correction was not made on an old map that was presented to the prime minister moments before the start of an interview on French television," the PMO said.
If Egypt begins to turn on Israel due to the Rafah operation, it could have widespread effects.
Saudi Arabia may not publicly want Israel in Rafah, but Riyadh has been watching the war closely since October 7.
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