Saudi Arabia’s Stance on Israel Contradicts Trump’s Gaza Plan

In a dramatic development this week, Saudi Arabia reaffirmed its long-standing position that it will not normalize relations with Israel without the creation of a Palestinian state. This statement directly contradicts a controversial claim made by  U.S. President Donald Trump, who had asserted that Riyadh did not demand a Palestinian homeland in the context of a proposal for the U.S. to take control of the Gaza Strip.
Trump’s comments, made during a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday, stunned many in the international community. The President announced that the United States would take over Gaza after the relocation of Palestinians, aiming to rebuild and develop the war-torn region economically.
“The U.S. will assume responsibility for Gaza, where we will help Palestinians resettle elsewhere. We will bring the necessary infrastructure and resources to make it thrive again,” Trump stated, presenting a vision of economic renewal for the enclave under American governance.
However, Saudi Arabia quickly countered this proposal, reiterating its unwavering support for Palestinian sovereignty. In a statement issued by the Saudi government, officials emphasized that Riyadh would not engage in any diplomatic efforts with Israel until the issue of Palestinian statehood is resolved. This position aligns with the Arab League’s stance on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and echoes Saudi Arabia’s historical approach to peace negotiations.
While President Trump’s idea to take over Gaza was presented as a way to ensure peace and economic development, many observers saw it as a drastic departure from traditional U.S. policy, one that has supported a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The rift between Trump’s vision and Saudi Arabia’s stance adds another layer of complexity to an already delicate situation in the Middle East. Trump’s attempt to shift focus toward economic redevelopment of Gaza rather than political solutions for Palestinians has drawn criticism from various global leaders, who view the move as potentially sidelining the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination.
As the international community watches closely, the sharp divergence between U.S. and Saudi positions signals ongoing tensions regarding the future of the Middle East peace process, with no immediate resolution in sight.