In a powerful address that has resonated across diplomatic circles, a senior Saudi official delivered a clear and unequivocal message about the future of peace in the Middle East. Saudi diplomat Manal Radwan stated at the Doha Forum that genuine security for Israel is fundamentally dependent on ensuring the safety and rights of the Palestinian people.
The Core Message: Inextricably Linked Security
Speaking at the high-profile international gathering on December 7, 2025, Radwan presented a stark warning. She argued that the region cannot achieve lasting stability if Palestinian security is ignored. “If we don’t ensure security for Palestine, then there’s no security for Israel either,” she declared. This statement powerfully encapsulates Saudi Arabia's long-standing diplomatic position, framing the safety of both nations as a shared and interdependent goal rather than separate issues.
By making this connection, Radwan reinforced the view that military dominance alone cannot guarantee Israel's long-term safety. Instead, she emphasized that a durable solution must be political in nature. This solution, according to the Saudi perspective, must directly address critical issues like Palestinian sovereignty, territory, and long-term safety.
Context: Gulf Diplomacy and the Path to Normalization
Radwan's remarks arrive at a crucial moment of intensified diplomatic activity by Gulf nations concerning the ongoing situation in Gaza. Saudi Arabia, along with other regional players, is deeply involved in discussions surrounding ceasefire plans, reconstruction efforts, and the broader political future of the Palestinian territories.
The speech also serves as a public reiteration of Riyadh's official conditions for normalizing relations with Israel. Saudi Arabia has consistently stated that any move toward formal diplomatic ties is contingent upon tangible progress toward the establishment of a Palestinian state. Furthermore, the kingdom seeks credible security guarantees that would protect Palestinian rights and ensure regional stability.
Broader Implications for Regional Stability
The comments from the Saudi woman minister highlight a strategic shift in how regional peace is conceptualized. The message moves beyond simple bilateral agreements to advocate for a holistic approach to security. It suggests that true normalization and economic integration in the Middle East require a just resolution to the Palestinian question.
This stance places Saudi Arabia in a pivotal role, balancing its own strategic interests and its leadership position in the Arab and Islamic world. The speech at the Doha Forum signals to international partners, including the United States, that regional cooperation and Israel's acceptance are deeply linked to Palestinian statehood. As diplomacy continues, this principle is likely to remain a cornerstone of Saudi foreign policy and a key factor in any future peace roadmap.
