Kenya, Feb. 7 -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently suggested during an interview with Channel 14 that Saudi Arabia could potentially allocate land within its territory for a Palestinian state, highlighting the vast land resources of the kingdom.

This proposal comes amidst ongoing discussions on the future of Palestinian statehood and regional diplomacy.

Saudi Arabia has firmly stated that normalization with Israel would not proceed without the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.

Recent statements from the Saudi Foreign Ministry have emphasized a non-negotiable stance towards Palestinian rights, rejecting any attempts to displace Palestinians or annex their land.

This position directly contradicts Netanyahu's suggestion of relocating the Palestinian state to Saudi Arabia.

The proposal has sparked a variety of reactions. Netizens have highlighted the contentious nature of Netanyahu's comments, with many viewing it as a significant departure from the traditional two-state solution framework.

International observers and Middle Eastern analysts are sceptical about the feasibility of such a proposal, considering Saudi Arabia's long-standing position on Palestinian statehood.

Recent comments by U.S. President Donald Trump suggesting U.S. control over Gaza and the relocation of Palestinians have added complexity to the situation.

Trump's ideas have been met with criticism from Arab nations and human rights organizations, with accusations of ethnic cleansing and violations of international law. This backdrop makes Netanyahu's proposal regarding Saudi land even more controversial.

The proposal could strain or delay efforts towards normalization between Israel and Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia's insistence on a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital remains a critical condition for any diplomatic advancement with Israel.

Netanyahu's suggestion might be seen as a provocative move that could hinder peace negotiations and regional stability.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Bana Kenya.