Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s offensive and inappropriate remarks on the creation of a Palestinian state within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia were sharply attacked and condemned by the United Arab Emirates. The nation reiterated its unequivocal denunciation of these remarks, which clearly violate the United Nations Charter and international law. State Minister Khalifa Shaheen Al Marar stated that the United Arab Emirates is fully in solidarity with Saudi Arabia and that the Kingdom will not tolerate any challenge to its security, stability, or sovereignty.
Netanyahu’s Controversial Remarks on Palestinian Statehood
This statement responded to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s comments during an interview on the pro-Netanyahu Channel 14. When an interviewer mistakenly referred to the “Saudi state” instead of the “Palestinian state,” Netanyahu corrected the error but added, “Unless you want the Palestinian state to be in Saudi Arabia, they have a lot of territory,” while smiling during the interview in Washington. The remarks sparked widespread criticism.
Egypt and Arab Parliament Condemn Netanyahu’s Statements
Egypt condemned the suggestion by Israeli officials to establish a Palestinian state on Saudi territory as “irresponsible.” In a statement, Egypt’s foreign ministry called the idea a “direct infringement of Saudi sovereignty” and emphasized that Saudi Arabia’s security is a “red line for Egypt.” The statement did not directly name Netanyahu but described such remarks as “reprehensible aggression and an infringement of diplomatic norms.”
The Arab Parliament also strongly condemned the “irresponsible statements” made by Israel. Mohammed bin Ahmed Al-Yamahi, Speaker of the Arab Parliament, warned that such comments threaten regional stability, escalate conflicts, and endanger global peace. He reaffirmed the Arab Parliament’s rejection of these remarks, stating that they violate Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty, security, and stability, as well as international law and resolutions. Al-Yamahi emphasized that the security of Saudi Arabia is integral to Arab national security and reiterated support for the Palestinian people’s right to an independent state based on the 1967 borders.
Trump’s Proposal for Gaza Draws Criticism
Meanwhile, former U.S. President Donald Trump suggested that the U.S. take control of Gaza from Israel and transform it into a “Riviera of the Middle East” by resettling Palestinians in other countries, including Egypt and Jordan. Arab nations have consistently supported a two-state solution, with a separate Palestinian state alongside Israel. Trump later claimed that Saudi Arabia was not insisting on a Palestinian state as a condition for normalizing relations with Israel. However, Saudi Arabia rejected his statements, reaffirming that it would not establish ties with Israel without the creation of a Palestinian state.
Trump’s proposal has been widely condemned globally, with regional and international leaders warning that such a move would threaten regional stability. Trump stated on Friday that he was in no rush to implement his plan to take over and redevelop Gaza.
Arab Solidarity with Saudi Arabia and Palestinian Rights
The Arab Parliament expressed full solidarity with Saudi Arabia in safeguarding its sovereignty, security, and the well-being of its people. Al-Yamahi underscored that any suggestion to displace Palestinians from Gaza, a territory they seek as part of an independent state, is unacceptable to the Palestinian leadership and neighboring Arab states. He reiterated the Arab Parliament’s commitment to the Palestinian people’s legitimate rights to establish an independent state on their national territory, including the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem.
