Former Saudi Intelligence Chief Prince Turki Al-Faisal has reiterated that Saudi Arabia will not establish diplomatic relations with Israel until a sovereign Palestinian state is recognized.
Speaking at a London think tank, Prince Turki emphasized that while the US is eager to facilitate talks between Israel and Saudi Arabia to enhance regional security and economic cooperation, Riyadh’s position remains steadfast. He recalled that prior to the outbreak of hostilities in Gaza, talks between Palestinian and American officials had shown promise, but were ultimately derailed by the October 7 attack.
Prince Turki underscored that the creation of an independent Palestinian state is a prerequisite not only for Saudi-Israeli normalization but also for improved ties between Israel and the broader Muslim world. He specified that such a state should be established within the 1967 borders, including East Jerusalem. Prince Turki highlighted Saudi Arabia’s long-standing commitment to a peaceful resolution, citing initiatives such as the 1981 King Fahd Peace Plan and the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative.
He expressed disappointment that the US and other Western nations have not applied sufficient pressure on Israel to end the conflict, suggesting measures such as suspending arms exports and addressing the influence of pro-Israel lobbying groups in the US. However, he remained skeptical about the likelihood of such actions being taken.
