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| Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman |
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Wednesday asserted that the kingdom would not recognize Israel unless a Palestinian state is established, vehemently denouncing the "crimes of the Israeli occupation" against the Palestinian populace.
"The kingdom remains committed to its relentless efforts aimed at establishing an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital. We reiterate that the kingdom will not pursue diplomatic relations with Israel without this condition," stated the crown prince, commonly referred to as MbS.
Following the outbreak of conflict last October between Israel and Hamas, the militant group governing Gaza, Saudi Arabia suspended US-backed initiatives to normalize relations with Israel, as indicated by two sources familiar with Riyadh's strategic considerations earlier this year, marking a significant shift in its diplomatic focus.
Just weeks prior to the onset of hostilities, MbS had indicated that Riyadh was nearing an agreement.
The two sources informed Reuters that there would be a postponement in the US-supported discussions regarding the normalization of Saudi-Israeli relations, which is viewed as a crucial step for the kingdom to obtain what it perceives as the ultimate benefit: a US defense pact in return.
MbS delivered these comments during an annual address to the advisory Shura Council, which he presented on behalf of his father, King Salman.
The council took an oath of office before MbS on Wednesday prior to his address.
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