As anticipation builds for Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s upcoming visit to the White House on November 18, Riyadh has made its stance clear — normalization with Israel will not come without a clear roadmap for Palestinian statehood. Despite U.S. President Donald Trump’s optimism about a potential breakthrough, Saudi Arabia appears determined to uphold its long-standing position on the Palestinian issue.
Trump Pushes for Landmark Deal
The meeting between Trump and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) is expected to center on two major objectives: a U.S.-Saudi defense pact and the normalization of ties with Israel. Washington views this as a historic opportunity to reshape Middle East alliances, potentially expanding on the legacy of the Abraham Accords, which saw Israel establish relations with several Arab states.
For Trump, sealing such a deal would mark a significant diplomatic win ahead of a critical election year, strengthening America’s strategic position in the region. However, Saudi officials have reiterated that normalization cannot come at the expense of the Palestinian cause.
Riyadh’s Conditions Remain Unchanged
According to sources in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia has communicated that formal ties with Israel depend on progress toward an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital. This aligns with the long-standing Arab Peace Initiative first introduced in 2002, which links normalization to a comprehensive peace settlement between Israel and Palestine.
Analysts note that while Saudi Arabia remains open to U.S. security cooperation — especially amid regional tensions — it will not risk domestic and regional backlash by sidelining Palestinian aspirations.
Shifting Dynamics in the Middle East
The establishment of official relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia, two of the Middle East’s most influential powers, would dramatically alter the region’s security and political balance, potentially boosting U.S. influence and isolating Iran.
However, the Saudi leadership is proceeding cautiously, balancing its strategic alliance with Washington against its responsibility as the guardian of Islam’s holiest sites and a supporter of Palestinian sovereignty.
As MBS prepares for his Washington visit, the world watches closely. Whether Trump can convince Saudi Arabia to move forward on normalization remains uncertain — but one thing is clear: Riyadh will not compromise without a credible path to peace for Palestine.
