Staff Reports
Reaction to Donald Trump’s recent suggestion to take over Gaza was about as warm as a polar bear in a desert. After President Trump proposed a bold plan during a press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the Saudi Foreign Ministry dashed off a rejection faster than a hare on a caffeine high. Trump’s vision for Gaza involved expanding American influence and turning the place into the “Riviera of the Middle East.” But of course, the Saudis had different fantasy lands in mind.
During his remarks, Trump expressed confidence in the U.S. ability to revive Gaza, promising that under American leadership, the devastated strip could turn into a gleaming success story. He proposed moving most of the Palestinian population elsewhere while erasing the remnants of war, declaring plans to create jobs and develop housing. Global transformation was on his agenda, but apparently, that didn’t sway the folks in Riyadh at all.
The Saudi Foreign Ministry’s response was immediate and predictably firm. They reiterated their stubborn commitment to the establishment of a Palestinian state, complete with East Jerusalem as its capital—going as far back as the 1967 borders. Apparently, MBS and friends are quite comfortable with their elite stance on a problem that seems to elude resolution, which they repeated with more gusto than a news anchor reciting a script.
Saudi Foreign Ministry Objects to Trump’s Gaza Planhttps://t.co/QtoHRVBzLb
Well, the f-ing worthless Saudis better step up with a better plan than simply saying "no".
If they have no viable ideas, they're part of the problem. And thus, should be disregarded.
— Steve (@StevePratico) February 6, 2025
Saudi officials insisted there would be no normalizing relations with Israel until these demands were met, putting the kibosh on any ambitions Trump had for a quick fix. Their statement went on to affirm a rejection of Israeli actions that might infringe on Palestinian rights, including settlement policies and land annexation. Clearly, they see the struggle over the land as a game of chess, with their pieces snugly lined up and ready for battle.
In a dramatic flourish that would make Oscar-winning screenwriters proud, the Saudis appealed to the international community, claiming it bore a “duty” to deliver humanitarian aid to Palestinians. Should anyone be surprised at their non-negotiable stance on a permanent solution? It seems the Saudis believe their way is the highway—or perhaps the only road to a peaceful resolution—with the Palestinian rights at the forefront of their agenda. It is evident that for the Saudi Foreign Ministry, anything less than their demands is simply not on the table, making Trump’s proposals seem as useful as a chocolate teapot.
