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Saudi Arabia has named its very first ambassador to the Palestinians, amidst a flurry of diplomatic activities as the US tries to negotiate a deal to normalize relations between Riyadh and Israel.
In the past three months, officials from the US and Saudi Arabia have been exploring the potential for a complicated agreement that would reshape the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East. This deal could involve Saudi Arabia recognizing Israel in exchange for defense guarantees, support for a civilian nuclear program, and Israeli concessions to Palestinian aspirations for statehood.
As part of this potential agreement, Saudi Arabia appointed Nayef bin Bandar Al-Sudairi as the non-resident ambassador to the Palestinians and consul-general in Jerusalem. Al-Sudairi is already serving as the Saudi ambassador to Jordan, and he views the expansion of his role as a sign of solidarity with the Palestinians and the desire to strengthen ties with Palestine.
In response to this move, Israel’s foreign minister, Eli Cohen, stated that the appointment was not coordinated with Israel and emphasized that Israel would not permit the opening of any diplomatic representation for the Palestinians in Jerusalem.
Saudi Arabia, regarded as a leader in the Sunni Muslim world, has long supported the Palestinians’ quest for statehood. In 2002, Saudi Arabia devised the Arab peace initiative which offered recognition of Israel upon its withdrawal from occupied Arab lands.
Bassam Al-Agha, the Palestinian ambassador to Saudi Arabia, viewed the appointment of Al-Sudairi as a reaffirmation of Saudi Arabia’s support for the Palestinian cause and a desire to deepen political, social, and economic ties with Palestine.
Cohen acknowledged that the Saudi appointment sent a message to the Palestinians that they are not forgotten, but he downplayed its significance for broader efforts to normalize relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia. He expressed optimism that a deal could still be reached, highlighting the importance of interests in reaching an agreement.
Aside from gaining support from the Israeli and Saudi governments, any potential deal would require approval in Washington. Officials mention that it needs to be reached within the next six to nine months to avoid being overshadowed by the upcoming US election cycle.
A senior US official stated earlier this week that there are still many conversations that need to happen and no agreed framework for normalization yet.
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