Poll reveals majority of Saudis against normalizing ties with 'Israel'

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: New York Times
22 Dec 2023 22:08
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95% of respondents did not believe that the resistance intentionally killed civilians, highlighting skepticism about Israeli reports of non-military casualties in "Israel."

Workers take down a giant Saudi flag, which measures 49.5 meters by 33 meters (162 feet by 108 feet) for weekly maintenance, from what is believed to be the tallest flagpole in the world and one of Jiddah's landmarks, at King Abdullah Square, in Jiddah, Saudi Arabia, Thursday, Jan. 28, 2021 (AP)

A recent poll conducted by the Washington Institute for Near East Policy found that 96% of Saudis believe that Arab countries, including those that have normalized relations with "Israel", should sever all ties with the regime in protest of the ongoing war on Gaza, the New York Times reported on Friday.

The poll, conducted from November 14 to December 6, surveyed 1,000 Saudis, and revealed that 40 percent of Saudis held positive views toward the resistance, up from 10 percent in a poll conducted several months before the war.

Only 16 percent believed the resistance should abandon its call for the Israeli occupation's destruction and endorse a two-state solution, contrary to the Saudi government's public stance supporting a two-state solution.

This data challenges assumptions that younger Saudis may be more open to diplomatic relations with "Israel," the report states.

The survey also indicated that 95% of respondents did not believe that the resistance intentionally killed civilians, highlighting skepticism about Israeli reports of civilian casualties in "Israel."

Writer Vivan Nereim who reported on the matter and who is based in Saudi Arabia says that despite Saudi Arabia becoming "more autocratic over the past eight years", analysts say that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman "must still take public opinion into account as he weighs decisions."

Younger Saudis' alleged indifference to the Palestinian cause, a factor influencing potential ties with "Israel", remains unclear due to a lack of reliable polling and increased political repression, Nereim says.

The poll clearly indicates widespread Saudi support for Palestine and the resistance despite legal risks for sympathizing with the group.

While MBS suggested progress toward recognizing "Israel," Saudi officials sought major concessions from the US.

On another note, the majority of respondents say they support a diplomatic resolution to the war.