Saudi Arabia’s recognition of Israel contingent on resolution of Palestinian issue, says Foreign Minister

Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister suggested that the kingdom would recognize Israel if a comprehensive agreement was made that included statehood for the Palestinians. Prince Faisal bin Farhan made the comments at the World Economic Forum in Davos. He emphasized that peace for Israel is linked to peace for the Palestinians through the establishment of a Palestinian state. The prince also mentioned that Saudi Arabia has been working with the US administration to secure regional peace, especially in the context of Gaza. However, a recent conflict between Israel and Hamas has caused a delay in US-backed talks to normalize Saudi-Israel ties. Prior to the conflict, both Israel and Saudi Arabia had shown progress towards establishing diplomatic relations.