Khaberni -
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said he would not agree to any agreement for normalizing relations with Saudi Arabia if it involves the establishment of a Palestinian state, saying: "No thanks, continue to ride the camels".
Smotrich's statements came during a conference titled "Halacha in the Technological Age" organized by Zomet Institute and "Makor Rishon" newspaper, where he said: "Sovereignty is the point of testing (referring to the annexation of the West Bank). If Saudi Arabia tells us: normalization in exchange for a Palestinian state, my friends, no thanks. Continue riding the camels in the Saudi desert."
He continued saying: "We will continue to advance our economy, our society, our state, and all the great and wonderful things we know how to do."
His statements sparked widespread controversy and sharp criticism due to their racist tone, especially as they come at a time when the US administration is preparing to host the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the White House next month to discuss several files, including pushing towards an agreement for normalizing relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia.
Riyadh has stuck to its position for years that it will not normalize relations with Israel unless an agreement is reached that guarantees the establishment of an independent Palestinian state within a clear and definitive timeline.
Smotrich and other members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government strongly oppose this demand, affirming their rejection of any steps that lead to the establishment of a Palestinian state in the West Bank or Gaza.
