Pakistan Strongly Condemns Netanyahu’s Remarks on Palestinian State in Saudi Arabia

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has strongly condemned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s remarks regarding the establishment of a Palestinian state in Saudi Arabia, calling them “irresponsible, provocative, and thoughtless,”.

During a weekly briefing, FO spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan denounced Netanyahu’s comments, stating they undermine the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people to self-determination and an independent state on their historic land.

“Pakistan stands in solidarity with Saudi Arabia. Any attempt to misrepresent or undermine Saudi Arabia’s unwavering stance on the Palestinian cause is deeply regrettable,” Khan emphasized.

The controversy arose after Israeli officials suggested the possibility of a Palestinian state on Saudi land. Netanyahu, during an interview on pro-Netanyahu Channel 14, appeared to joke when the interviewer mistakenly said “Saudi state” instead of “Palestinian state” before correcting himself.

Saudi Arabia swiftly rejected Netanyahu’s remarks, reaffirming its firm opposition to any suggestion of displacing Palestinians from their homeland. The Saudi Foreign Ministry released a statement on Sunday rejecting the Israeli prime minister’s comments.

Neighboring countries Egypt and Jordan also condemned the suggestion, with Cairo calling it a “direct infringement of Saudi sovereignty.”

Saudi Arabia further expressed appreciation for the support of “brotherly states” in rejecting Netanyahu’s remarks, stating that the Israeli leadership fails to grasp the deep historical and legal significance of Palestinian land to its people.