Egypt condemned Israeli remarks about a Palestinian state in Saudi Arabia, calling them irresponsible and an infringement on Saudi sovereignty. Netanyahu made light of the situation during an interview, while Trump proposed plans that faced widespread criticism. Arab nations continue to advocate for a two-state solution.
Egypt has expressed strong condemnation regarding remarks made by Israeli officials suggesting the establishment of a Palestinian state on Saudi territory, which they deemed “irresponsible.” The Egyptian foreign ministry labeled such proposals as a “direct infringement of Saudi sovereignty,” emphasizing that the security of the kingdom represents a “red line” for Cairo.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, during an interview on pro-Netanyahu Channel 14, apparently made a light-hearted comment regarding the possibility of a Palestinian state being located in Saudi Arabia, inadvertently referring to it as a “Saudi state” before correcting himself. He later stated, “Unless you want the Palestinian state to be in Saudi Arabia, they have a lot of territory,” as he smiled during the discussion held in Washington.
While the Egyptian response did not specifically mention Netanyahu, it categorized the comments as a “reprehensible aggression and an infringement of diplomatic norms.” This condemnation reflects the sensitivity surrounding discussions of Palestinian statehood and its implications for regional politics.
In a related context, President Donald Trump suggested a plan for the U.S. to manage Gaza and resettle Palestinians in other nations, including Egypt and Jordan, proposing the creation of a “Riviera of the Middle East.” This plan has been widely criticized, as Arab states continue to advocate for a two-state solution that acknowledges a distinct Palestinian homeland alongside Israel.
Despite Trump’s assertion that Riyadh did not condition normalization efforts with Israel on the establishment of a Palestinian state, Saudi Arabia reaffirmed its stance, stating that it would not pursue diplomatic ties with Israel without such a framework in place. Any notion of resettling Palestinians away from Gaza has historically been rejected by Palestinian leadership and their Arab neighbors. The global community has condemned Trump’s plan, citing concerns for regional stability, though he has indicated a lack of urgency in advancing these proposals.
In summary, Egypt has condemned Israel’s provocative remarks regarding the establishment of a Palestinian state in Saudi Arabia, highlighting a commitment to Saudi sovereignty and security. The situation is further complicated by proposed plans for Palestinian resettlement and normalization efforts that lack Arab consensus, emphasizing the need for a sustainable two-state solution that respects Palestinian aspirations.
Original Source: www.usnews.com