Israeli minister regrets remarks about Saudi Arabia

Category: Middle East | By: AFSHAN RIAZ | 2025-10-27 14:18:15

🌟 Key Highlights

🗣️ Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich expresses regret over his remarks targeting Saudi Arabia.
🐪 He had said Riyadh could “keep riding camels” if it demanded a Palestinian state for normalisation.
⚠️ His comments sparked strong backlash from Israeli opposition leaders.
🤝 Smotrich later apologised, saying his words were “unfortunate” and “not intended to offend.”

🏛️ The Controversy

Israel’s far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich faced criticism on Thursday after making derogatory remarks about Saudi Arabia, during discussions on possible normalisation talks between the two countries.

At a conference earlier in the day, Smotrich dismissed the idea of establishing a Palestinian state as part of any potential deal with Riyadh.

“If Saudi Arabia tells us normalisation in exchange for a Palestinian state — friends, no thank you,” he said.
“Keep riding camels on the sand in the Saudi desert; we’ll keep developing — our economy, society, and state.” 🐪

His comments quickly circulated online, drawing condemnation from across Israel’s political spectrum.

🎥 Smotrich Issues Apology

Following the backlash, Smotrich released a video statement on X (formerly Twitter), saying he regretted his earlier words.

“My statement regarding Saudi Arabia was unfortunate, and I regret any offence it may have caused,” he said.
“That was not my intention.”

The minister, known for his hardline views, has previously been at the centre of diplomatic controversies involving Arab nations and Palestinian leaders.

⚡ Backlash From Israeli Opposition

Opposition leader Yair Lapid swiftly condemned Smotrich’s remarks, writing in Arabic on X:

“To our friends in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East — Smotrich does not represent the State of Israel.”

Lapid later called on the finance minister to formally apologise to the Saudi leadership.

Former defence minister Benny Gantz also weighed in, calling Smotrich’s statement a sign of “ignorance and irresponsibility.”

“His words indicate a failure to understand the weight of his office and his responsibility as a senior member of Israel’s government,” Gantz said.

🌍 Context: Saudi–Israel Normalisation Efforts

The remarks came amid ongoing speculation about a potential Saudi–Israeli normalisation agreement, which many believe could reshape Middle Eastern diplomacy.
However, Saudi Arabia has repeatedly stated that recognition of Israel depends on progress toward an independent Palestinian state — a stance echoed by much of the Arab world.

Smotrich’s comments threatened to undermine those diplomatic overtures, with analysts suggesting they reflect the growing tension between Israel’s far-right coalition and international partners advocating for a two-state solution.