The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its condemnation and categorical rejection of the statements made by the US Ambassador to Israel, which included a disregard for the principles of national sovereignty and an implication of accepting Israeli hegemony over the Middle East region. In its official statement, the Kingdom affirmed that these irresponsible remarks constitute a clear violation of international law and the UN Charter, and represent a dangerous precedent in diplomatic norms.
Background of the firm Saudi position
This Saudi position is consistent with its long-standing and long-standing foreign policy, which places the Palestinian cause at the heart of its priorities. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the originator of the Arab Peace Initiative, launched at the Beirut Summit in 2002, which presented the world with a clear roadmap for achieving a just and comprehensive peace. Based on the principle of “land for peace,” the initiative calls for Israel’s complete withdrawal from the Arab territories occupied since 1967, including the Syrian Golan Heights and the occupied Lebanese territories, and the acceptance of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state within the June 4, 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in exchange for Arab and Islamic recognition of Israel and the normalization of relations with it.
The importance and expected impact of the Saudi position
At both the regional and international levels, the Saudi position carries significant weight. Through this statement, the Kingdom sends a clear message to the US administration and the international community that any attempt to circumvent Palestinian rights or impose solutions not based on international law and UN resolutions (such as Security Council Resolutions 242 and 338) will be met with firm rejection. Furthermore, these statements by a US official threaten to undermine the United States' role as an impartial mediator in the peace process and raise doubts about its commitment to internationally agreed-upon solutions.
A threat to international peace and security
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs warned that such extremist rhetoric only serves agendas of escalation and destabilization in a region already suffering from multiple crises. It noted that disregarding the foundations of the international order, which is based on respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, threatens global peace and security and fuels hate speech and extremism. The Kingdom called on the US State Department to clarify its official position on these statements, which contradict declared US policies and harm the distinguished relations it enjoys with countries in the region.
In closing its statement, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia reiterated that the only way to achieve sustainable peace is to end the Israeli occupation and establish an independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with the Arab Peace Initiative and relevant international resolutions.
