Saudi Arabia condemns Israel’s move to annexe Palestinian land, block ‘two-state’ solution

Riyadh: Saudi Arabia on Friday criticised Israel’s plans to expand settlement construction around occupied Jerusalem and condemned statements by Israeli officials opposing internationally supported efforts to establish a sovereign Palestinian state as part of a solution to the decades-long Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

According to a statement from the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, such actions undermine international law, violate the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination, and obstruct the creation of their own state.

The ministry said these decisions reflect the Israeli government’s ongoing illegal expansionist policies, hinder the peace process, and pose a serious threat to the viability of a two-state solution.

On Thursday, Israel’s far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced that construction would begin on a long-delayed settlement project that would effectively split the West Bank and cut it off from East Jerusalem, Arab News reported.

He was quoted as saying that those pushing to recognise a Palestinian state would be answered “on the ground” with tangible developments such as new houses and neighbourhoods, rather than with documents or statements.

His office later reinforced the message, saying the move would “bury” the prospect of a Palestinian state.

Israeli media also reported that Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar had pledged to block the implementation of a two-state solution, under which Israel and a Palestinian state would exist side-by-side.

In a statement carried by the Times of Israel, Sa’ar argued that such a state in “the heart of the land of Israel” would only serve those seeking to destroy the country, and vowed it would never be allowed to happen.

Sa’ar was also quoted as saying that if countries such as France and Canada wanted to establish a Palestinian state, they could do so within their own borders, as they had enough space, but it would not be permitted “in the land of Israel.”

His remarks came after France and Canada announced plans to unilaterally recognise a Palestinian state next month, in response to Israel’s refusal to heed international calls for a ceasefire in Gaza and allow humanitarian agencies to operate freely. Britain has also warned it could take similar action unless Israel agrees to a truce with Hamas, improves humanitarian conditions in Gaza, and commits to working toward a long-term peace framework.