Latest news with #FaisalbinFarhanAl-Saud
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Why Israel barred Saudi FM and counterparts from Ramallah
Jordan's Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi called the move an example of how Israel 'kills any chance for a fair and comprehensive Israeli-Arab settlement.' Israel's decision last week to block a planned visit toRamallah by the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Turkey, and three other Muslim countries triggered predictable handwringing around the world, especially in those countries themselves. Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud, whose trip would have been the highest-ranking visit by a Saudi official since 1967, said the decision showed Israel's 'extremism and rejection of peace.' Jordan's Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi chimed in as well, calling the move an example of how Israel 'kills any chance for a fair and comprehensive Israeli-Arab settlement.' A joint statement by some of the ministers who were scheduled to take part accused Israel of 'arrogance,' of 'disregard for international law,' and of pursuing 'illegitimate measures and policies that besiege the brotherly Palestinian people and their legitimate leadership.' These condemnations were loud, coordinated, and expected. But they were also, for the most part, performative — aimed more at international optics and domestic audiences than at actually changing Israel's position. Why would Israel agree to green-light a high-profile delegation intended to lend momentum to efforts to push forward a two-state solution precisely at a time when Jerusalem, in the wake of October 7, is adamantly opposed to the idea? Not only is the government opposed, but as polls show, the majority of the public is as well. AnInstitute for National Security Studies (INSS) poll in March found that support for a two-state solution declined to 24% among the general public, down from 38% in September 2024. Ten years ago, by comparison, a similar INSS poll found that 60% of the public supported the idea. In the March poll, only 15% of Jewish Israelis favored a two-state solution, a decline from 31% in September. A Jewish People Policy Institute survey from March had similar results, with only 11% of Jewish Israelis in that poll expressing support for negotiations toward a Palestinian state. The foreign ministers' visit was to come just two weeks ahead of an international conference organized by Saudi Arabia and France in New York to push for a two-state solution, with France considering unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state and urging other Western countries to do the same. In that context, the Ramallah visit was not an isolated diplomatic gesture. It was a launchpad. Allowing it to proceed would have been, in Israel's view, akin to scoring an own goal. Some argue that barring the Saudi foreign minister could further stall long-term normalization with the kingdom or sink hopes of bringing Riyadh into the Abraham Accords framework. But the Saudis themselves have made it abundantly clear: normalization is contingent on tangible Israeli steps toward Palestinian statehood. That's a line this Israeli government — and much of the public — is unwilling to cross, particularly after October 7. From the Israeli perspective, the Palestinians had a mini-state of their own in Gaza before October 7. That experiment failed — catastrophically. Hamas quickly took over, stockpiled weapons, built an underground terror infrastructure, trained a terrorist army, and launched the deadliest attack on Israel since its founding. To now replicate that failed model in Judea and Samaria would, in the minds of most Israelis at this time, be an act of sheer madness. Moreover, a look at the countries represented by foreign ministers in the delegation, at least according to some reports, reveals that Turkey and Qatar were on the list. Turkish President Tayyip Recep Erdogan is vehemently anti-Israel, implacable in his poisonous rhetoric, and hosts Hamas leaders in Ankara. Qatar, for its part, continues to host Hamas' leadership and is a major force, if not the primary force, behind the demonization and delegitimization of Israel around the world. Why, then, should Israel allow representatives of these countries into Ramallah to make political statements that could inflame tensions and further undercut Israel in the international arena? This is especially true as June shapes up to be one of the more diplomatically challenging months Israel has faced since the war began. The upcoming French-Saudi conference in New York is likely to rejuvenate calls for a Palestinian state based on the 1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital. That's not a framework Israel is prepared to accept — and it need not play along. Not allowing the foreign ministers to visit was one way for Israel to try to prevent the move from picking up steam. Another option being floated in Jerusalem is a more muscular countermeasure: declaring that unilateral recognition of Palestinian statehood will trigger Israeli unilateral responses, such as annexing certain parts of the West Bank. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar and Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer have reportedly relayed this message to some European counterparts. Whether or not Israel ultimately takes that step, the message is clear: if the international community is going to act unilaterally, so might Israel. That message needs to be delivered forcefully because Israel's diplomatic isolation, exacerbated by the war in Gaza and its humanitarian toll, has emboldened key players like France and Saudi Arabia to try to dictate terms. Jerusalem cannot allow that to happen. Blocking the visit to Ramallah is one way to push back. It sends a signal that Israel is not going to stand by quietly while others try to predetermine its security needs and future. Partial annexation — as a warning or a reality — may be another. In this environment, symbolism matters. High-profile diplomatic visits carry weight, and so does denying them. Israel has made it clear: it will not be a passive participant in a process it fundamentally rejects and believes will endanger its security, certainly not in the shadow of October 7.
AsiaOne
02-06-2025
- Politics
- AsiaOne
Saudi Arabia says Israel shows 'extremism' by blocking West Bank visit, Asia News
AMMAN - Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud said the Israeli government's refusal to allow a delegation of Arab ministers into the occupied West Bank showed its "extremism and rejection of peace". His statement came during a joint press conference in Amman with counterparts from Jordan, Egypt and Bahrain, after they met as part of an Arab contact group that was going to meet Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah. "Israel's refusal of the committee's visit to the West Bank embodies and confirms its extremism and refusal of any serious attempts for (a) peaceful pathway .. It strengthens our will to double our diplomatic efforts within the international community to face this arrogance," the Saudi minister said. On Saturday (May 31), Israel said it would not allow a planned meeting on Sunday that would have included ministers from Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, Palestinian Authority officials said. Bin Farhan's visit to the West Bank would have marked the first such visit by a top Saudi official in recent memory. An Israeli official said the ministers intended to take part in a "provocative meeting" to discuss promoting the establishment of a Palestinian state. Jordan's Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi said blocking the trip was another example of how Israel was "killing any chance of a just and comprehensive" Arab-Israeli settlement. An international conference, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, is due to be held in New York on June 17-20 to discuss the issue of Palestinian statehood. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty said the conference would cover security arrangements after a ceasefire in Gaza and reconstruction plans to ensure Palestinians would remain on their land and foil any Israeli plans to evict them. Commenting on blocking the visit, Israeli Arab lawmaker Ayman Odeh said the Arab foreign ministers' delegation aimed to end the Gaza war, enhance the Palestinian Authority's role, and support a Saudi-French UN initiative to set up a roadmap for a Palestinian state Odeh told Saudi state-owned Al Arabiya Television that the Saudi-French initiative could lead to broader international recognition of a Palestinian state, a move he said contradicts Israeli government policy. According to Odeh, the Israeli government seeks to undermine the Palestinian Authority because it views it as the "nucleus of the Palestinian state." He said Israel blocked the Arab foreign ministers' visit because it could have helped strengthen the Palestinian Authority. Israel has come under increasing pressure from the United Nations and European countries that favour a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, under which an independent Palestinian state would exist alongside Israel. [[nid:717970]]
Business Recorder
02-06-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Saudi Arabia's FM says Israel blocking Ramallah meeting proof of ‘extremism'
AMMAN: Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud said the Israeli government's refusal to allow a delegation of Arab ministers to the occupied West Bank showed its 'extremism and rejection of peace'. His statement came during a joint press conference in Amman with counterparts from Jordan, Egypt and Bahrain, after they met as part of an Arab contact group that was going to meet Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah. 'Israel's refusal of the committee's visit to the West Bank embodies and confirms its extremism and refusal of any serious attempts for (a) peaceful pathway .. It strengthens our will to double our diplomatic efforts within the international community to face this arrogance,' the Saudi minister said. On Saturday, Israel said it would not allow a planned meeting on Sunday that would have included ministers from Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, Palestinian Authority officials said. Bin Farhan's visit to the West Bank would have marked the first such visit by a top Saudi official in recent memory. An Israeli official said the ministers intended to take part in a 'provocative meeting' to discuss promoting the establishment of a Palestinian state. Jordan's Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi said blocking the trip was another example of how Israel was 'killing any chance of a just and comprehensive' Arab-Israeli settlement. An international conference, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, is due to be held in New York on June 17-20 to discuss the issue of Palestinian statehood. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty said the conference would cover security arrangements after a ceasefire in Gaza and reconstruction plans to ensure Palestinians would remain on their land and foil any Israeli plans to evict them. Israel has come under increasing pressure from the United Nations and European countries which favour a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, under which an independent Palestinian state would exist alongside Israel.
Leaders
01-06-2025
- Politics
- Leaders
Saudi FM Slams Israeli "Extremism" after West Bank Delegation Blockade
Saudi Arabia's Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud strongly condemned Israel's decision to block Arab ministers from entering the occupied West Bank. He described this move as clear evidence of Israel's 'extremism and rejection of peace.' His remarks came during a joint press conference held in Amman, Jordan, on Sunday alongside foreign ministers from Jordan, Egypt, and Bahrain. Arab-Islamic Committee Convenes Amid Crisis The meeting in Jordan aimed to address the ongoing war in Gaza, following the directives of the Joint Arab-Islamic Extraordinary Summit. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas participated in the discussions via video call. The foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates were expected to attend, along with Turkey and the secretary-general of the Arab League. However, Israel's decision to block the ministers' travel plans to Ramallah on Sunday disrupted these important discussions, which highlights the ongoing tensions and challenges in the region. Call for Palestinian Statehood During the press conference, Prince Faisal emphasized that the establishment of an independent Palestinian state remains the only viable solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict. He stated, 'As Arabs and Muslims, we are only going to accept a Palestinian state.' His comments reflect a unified stance among Arab nations regarding the necessity of recognizing Palestine. Furthermore, he urged countries that support the two-state solution to reinforce their commitment by officially recognizing the state of Palestine. This recognition is crucial for advancing peace and stability in the region. In conclusion, Saudi Arabia's Minister of Foreign Affairs' statements underscore the urgent need for dialogue and cooperation among Arab nations to achieve lasting peace in the Middle East. Short link : Post Views: 95
Middle East Eye
01-06-2025
- Politics
- Middle East Eye
Saudi Arabia's foreign minister says Israel blocking Ramallah meeting proof of 'extremism'
Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud said the Israeli government's refusal to allow a delegation of Arab ministers to the occupied West Bank showed its "extremism and rejection of peace". His statements came during a joint press conference with counterparts from Jordan, Egypt and Bahrain in Amman. On Saturday, Israel said it will not allow a planned meeting on Sunday in the Palestinian administrative capital of Ramallah to go ahead. Reporting by Reuters
