Saudi Arabia Condemns Israel’s Legalisation of 19 West Bank Settlements, Urging International Action
Riyadh denounces expansion of settlements as a violation of international law and a threat to peace and the two-state solution
Saudi Arabia has issued a strong denunciation of Israel’s decision to grant legal status to nineteen settlements in the occupied West Bank, describing the move as a violation of international law and a serious impediment to efforts to achieve a negotiated peace between Israelis and Palestinians.
The Saudi Foreign Ministry reiterated the Kingdom’s firm rejection of settlement expansion, arguing that such actions undermine the prospects for a viable Palestinian state and contravene widely recognised legal norms governing occupied territory.
This statement comes amid reports that Israel’s cabinet approved the legalisation of the settlements — some newly established and others longstanding — in a move led by senior government ministers.
In its statement, Riyadh framed the settlement approvals as part of a broader pattern of expansionist policies that threaten the territorial contiguity of Palestinian areas and jeopardise the internationally endorsed two-state solution framework.
Saudi officials underscored the applicability of relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions that call on Israel to halt settlement activity in territories occupied since 1967 and reaffirm that such construction is inconsistent with international humanitarian law.
The Kingdom called on the international community, particularly the permanent members of the Security Council, to assume their legal and moral responsibilities and take concrete measures to ensure compliance with international law and protect Palestinian rights.
The Saudi statement also reaffirmed support for the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, aligning with longstanding Arab Peace Initiative principles.
The Israeli decision to legalise the West Bank settlements has drawn widespread global attention and criticism.
Many countries and international organisations characterise settlement expansion as illegal under international law, including under the Fourth Geneva Convention, and view it as a key obstacle to a durable peace.
Saudi Arabia’s condemnation reflects deep regional concern that continued settlement growth will erode the foundations for negotiating a just and comprehensive settlement to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The Kingdom’s emphasis on international action signals its intent to push for broader diplomatic engagement to uphold legal norms and support Palestinian self-determination amid a highly charged and evolving geopolitical landscape.
The Saudi Foreign Ministry reiterated the Kingdom’s firm rejection of settlement expansion, arguing that such actions undermine the prospects for a viable Palestinian state and contravene widely recognised legal norms governing occupied territory.
This statement comes amid reports that Israel’s cabinet approved the legalisation of the settlements — some newly established and others longstanding — in a move led by senior government ministers.
In its statement, Riyadh framed the settlement approvals as part of a broader pattern of expansionist policies that threaten the territorial contiguity of Palestinian areas and jeopardise the internationally endorsed two-state solution framework.
Saudi officials underscored the applicability of relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions that call on Israel to halt settlement activity in territories occupied since 1967 and reaffirm that such construction is inconsistent with international humanitarian law.
The Kingdom called on the international community, particularly the permanent members of the Security Council, to assume their legal and moral responsibilities and take concrete measures to ensure compliance with international law and protect Palestinian rights.
The Saudi statement also reaffirmed support for the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, aligning with longstanding Arab Peace Initiative principles.
The Israeli decision to legalise the West Bank settlements has drawn widespread global attention and criticism.
Many countries and international organisations characterise settlement expansion as illegal under international law, including under the Fourth Geneva Convention, and view it as a key obstacle to a durable peace.
Saudi Arabia’s condemnation reflects deep regional concern that continued settlement growth will erode the foundations for negotiating a just and comprehensive settlement to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The Kingdom’s emphasis on international action signals its intent to push for broader diplomatic engagement to uphold legal norms and support Palestinian self-determination amid a highly charged and evolving geopolitical landscape.
