WASHINGTON: The question of whether Saudi Arabia will recognise Israel before Israel recognises a Palestinian state dominated discussions during Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s (MBS) recent Washington visit. Analysts say Riyadh’s normalization roadmap depends on a firm commitment to Palestinian statehood, with MBS telling President Trump that the kingdom wants a clear path to a two-state solution.
The visit underscored US concerns about regional security and reliability. Following Israel’s September attempt to target Hamas officials in Qatar, Gulf allies expressed unease over American protection guarantees. Experts highlighted that agreements signed in Washington were designed to ensure Saudi Arabia is not left exposed to similar situations, while defence cooperation, including the potential sale of F-35 fighter jets, signalled a deeper US-Saudi security partnership.
Read More: Saudi unlikely to normalize ties with Israel
MBS, described as a global political heavyweight, has used his Washington trip to advance both domestic and foreign ambitions. His Vision 2030 plan aims to diversify Saudi Arabia’s economy, reducing reliance on oil through megaprojects such as NEOM and The Line. Analysts said his urgency reflects a desire to secure momentum for the kingdom’s social, economic, and political transformation.
Beyond security, the discussions also focused on investment, with the US encouraging Riyadh to increase Saudi investment in technology, AI, and energy sectors. Observers noted that while defence ties are significant, MBS’s insistence on a clear path to Palestinian statehood remains the litmus test for any normalization with Israel, potentially marking a departure from previous Gulf approaches.
Experts emphasised that both Trump and MBS are racing to secure legacies: Trump seeks a foreign-policy signature in the Middle East, while MBS aims to solidify Saudi Arabia’s global standing and ensure long-term economic and political stability, measured against progress toward Palestinian recognition.
Read More: Saudi Arabia holds firm on Palestine