🔥 Tensions flared across the Middle East this weekend as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's controversial suggestion to establish a Palestinian state in Saudi Arabia sparked fiery condemnations from multiple governments. The remarks, made during a TV interview, have been labeled “dangerous” and “a violation of sovereignty” by regional leaders.
What Did Netanyahu Say? 🎤
In a Thursday interview with Israel's Channel 14, Netanyahu proposed that Saudi Arabia could host a Palestinian state, claiming the kingdom has “plenty of land.” The comments were widely interpreted as dismissing Palestinian claims to their historic territories.
Regional Backlash Erupts 🌪️
Saudi Arabia swiftly rejected the idea, stating peace requires a two-state solution based on pre-1967 borders—a stance echoed by Qatar and Jordan. Iraq called Netanyahu’s remarks a “blatant assault” on Palestinian rights, while Jordan accused Israel of “fueling escalation.”
Iran also joined the chorus, urging an emergency meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to counter what it termed a “ethnic cleansing” plan for Gaza. 📢
Why This Matters Now ⏳
The backlash highlights growing regional solidarity for Palestinian statehood amid stalled peace talks. As youth-led movements globally push for justice, Netanyahu’s comments risk deepening divides—and alienating key Arab nations like Saudi Arabia, once seen as a potential diplomatic partner for Israel.
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Israeli PM's remarks on Palestinian state in Saudi Arabia condemned
cgtn.com