Saudi Arabia Demands Netanyahu's Ouster and Settlement Policy Reversal for Israel Normalization

Saudi Arabia has set two key conditions for normalizing relations with Israel: the replacement of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the reversal of settlement policies in the West Bank led by Minister Bezalel Smotrich. According to an Israel Hayom report on Monday, Riyadh has communicated through Washington that it is willing to reengage in the Abraham Accords talks only if these demands are met. The Saudi government views these conditions as inseparable, believing Netanyahu will continue to support Smotrich's settlement initiatives as long as he remains in power.

The Saudis have repeatedly considered officially recognizing Israel during the ongoing conflict, but only in exchange for significant Israeli concessions in the West Bank. They particularly expect Netanyahu to clearly express a principled willingness to establish a future Palestinian state. In response, Smotrich warned of international efforts involving Israeli left-wing figures like Gadi Eizenkot and Yair Golan to undo the settlement advances made during the current government. He cautioned that if such forces come to power, a Palestinian state would be established, threatening Israel's security, framing the choice as "either right-wing or Palestine."