Sun Feb 09 20:09:00 UTC 2025: **Trump’s Gaza Plan Jeopardizes Saudi-Israel Relations, Fuels Anti-American Sentiment**

RIYADH, February 10, 2025 – US President Donald Trump’s controversial plan to displace Palestinians from Gaza has thrown a wrench into burgeoning diplomatic efforts to normalize relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel, analysts warn. Trump’s proposal, announced alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has sparked outrage across the Arab world, forcing Saudi Arabia to firmly reject any normalization efforts without a Palestinian state.

Experts from institutions such as the Middle East Institute and the Arab Gulf States Institute, along with King’s College London, agree that Trump’s actions have severely undermined the delicate negotiations. The Saudi foreign ministry swiftly condemned the plan, reiterating its unwavering opposition to the displacement of Palestinians. The move effectively halts the tentative talks between Saudi Arabia and Israel, mediated by the United States, which were already paused following the outbreak of the Gaza war.

The Saudi position is driven by multiple factors. Normalizing ties with Israel, while a significant geopolitical goal, is contingent on a Palestinian state. Furthermore, the potential influx of Palestinian refugees into neighboring Jordan and Egypt poses a serious security threat to Saudi Arabia. The kingdom is also wary of jeopardizing its long-standing security relationship with the United States, its key ally against Iran.

While Saudi Arabia seeks security guarantees and assistance with its civilian nuclear program in exchange for normalization, it is unlikely to succumb to pressure from Washington. Analysts emphasize Saudi Arabia’s unwillingness to compromise on Palestinian statehood, viewing it as crucial for maintaining its regional legitimacy. While Saudi Arabia possesses leverage, particularly in the energy sector, it’s currently unlikely to use it to pressure the US. The situation underscores the significant risks inherent in Trump’s approach and casts doubt on the immediate prospects of Saudi-Israeli normalization.

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