Saudi Arabia poll found 'declining' support for Israeli normalization

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
27 Sep 2023 10:48
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A recent opinion poll in Saudi Arabia addresses the issue of the Kingdom’s normalization with "Israel" and finds that normalization does not enjoy popular support.

Saudis chat near the Faisaliah tower, one of the landmarks in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023. (AP)

A public opinion poll, conducted by the Washington Institute for Near East Studies in Saudi Arabia, found that “a significant minority of Saudi society is favorably disposed toward business ties with it," however, the report noted having in previous years found an approximately almost 40% people supporting normalization with "Israel" the most recent poll found the number has slightly declined reaching an approximate of 33%.

The institute's analysis was based on the results of a survey conducted last August, commissioned by the Washington Institute, carried out by an independent regional commercial polling company, and published on September 18. The institute also explained that it had previously conducted Saudi public opinion polls addressing the issue of normalization.

Moreover, the results showed that not only has the percentage of support for normalization been declining over the years, but also there has been a declining reliance of Saudi public opinion on American guarantees as the report highlights "American commitments are unreliable lately."

The poll also showed that vis-a-vis normalization, Saudis believed that the Palestinian ambitions come in second place, while 36% agree that it is "important" to gain "new steps toward political rights and better economic opportunities for Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza."

Significantly, the poll underscored that the secondary rank reflected the Saudi public's disdain for Palestinian political leadership in either territory.

'Every day we get closer': MBS says on Saudi-Israeli normalization

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman admitted that Saudi Arabia was getting closer to normalizing ties with the Israeli occupation in an interview with Fox News released, last week, on September 20, adding that if Iran acquires a nuclear weapon, "we have to get one."

"Every day we get closer," Bin Salman said when asked to describe the discussions focused on normalizing diplomatic ties between Saudi Arabia and "Israel".

Responding to a question on the requirements of a normalization deal, the de facto Saudi leader claimed that "the Palestinian issue is very important. We need to solve that part." Adding that there had been "good negotiations" so far.

He continued, "We got to see where we go. We hope that will reach a place, that it will ease the life of the Palestinians, get Israel as a player in the Middle East."

Touching on the Iranian nuclear program, Bin Salman expressed concerns about Iran possibly developing a nuclear weapon, despite Tehran repeatedly rejecting claims it seeks to build a nuclear bomb.

"That's a bad move," he commented. "If you use it, you got to have a big fight with the rest of the world."

"If they get one, we have to get one," Bin Salman told Fox News.