Saudi Arabia has recently appointed its inaugural envoy to the Palestinian administration in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. This move is widely believed to be connected to the ongoing efforts led by the United States to establish diplomatic ties between Saudi Arabia and Israel. The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that Nayef Al-Sudairi, the Saudi envoy to Jordan, will now serve as a “nonresident ambassador to the State of Palestine.” Saudi Arabia recognizes the statehood of Palestine across the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem, territories that were seized by Israel during the Arab-Israeli war in 1967.
This announcement comes at a time when the United States is intensifying its endeavors to facilitate formal relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia for the first time. It also dispels rumors in Israel that Saudi Arabia would only establish official ties if Israel granted the Palestinians more autonomy.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel referred to this appointment as a mere formality, stating that it is necessary to fulfill certain requirements. However, both Saudi and Palestinian analysts believe that the designation of Ambassador Al-Sudairi demonstrates Riyadh’s genuine commitment to advocate for improved conditions for Palestinians. Saudi expert Abdulaziz Alghashian stated that this move serves as a significant communication tool for Saudi Arabia, conveying a message that goes beyond mere symbolism or fulfilling obligations.
The role of the Saudi ambassador to Jordan has informally encompassed the Palestinian file, albeit unofficially. Acknowledging this dual role officially is a response to the perception in Israeli circles that Saudi Arabia does not genuinely care about the Palestinians, according to Alghashian.
If a deal is reached in the near future, it is anticipated that it would involve a three-way agreement between the United States, Saudi Arabia, and Israel. The United States would provide increased military support and assistance for a civil nuclear program to Saudi Arabia, while Israel would offer concessions to the Palestinians.
The Israeli government, which is primarily composed of politicians opposed to Palestinian sovereignty, continues to downplay the significance of the Palestinian component in the negotiations. Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen described the announcement as largely symbolic, emphasizing that the Palestinian issue is not the main focus of the talks. Nevertheless, Palestinians find solace in the announcement, particularly in its mention of the ambassador also serving as a consul general in Jerusalem. Palestinians aspire for Jerusalem to become the capital of a future Palestinian state, and the appointment of a consul there is seen as a show of support for their aspirations.
However, Minister Cohen firmly stated that Israel would not permit Saudi Arabia to open a consulate for the Palestinians in Jerusalem, as it is not aligned with Israeli policies. In 2020, Israel established diplomatic relations with three Arab countries, including the United Arab Emirates, which ended its isolation in the Arab world. This development led to speculation that Saudi Arabia may be the next country to normalize ties with Israel. The Biden administration has now prioritized promoting Saudi-Israeli relations as a key foreign policy objective.
In conclusion, Saudi Arabia’s appointment of an envoy to the Palestinian administration in the West Bank serves as a significant step in efforts to forge diplomatic ties between Saudi Arabia and Israel. While there are differing opinions on the motivations and implications of this move, it highlights the importance of the Palestinian cause in the region and its impact on wider geopolitical dynamics.
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