Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, leader of the right-wing Religious Zionism Party, has come under fire for controversial remarks regarding the possibility of normalizing ties with Saudi Arabia. Speaking at a conference in Jerusalem, Smotrich rejected the idea of recognizing a Palestinian state as a condition for restoring relations with Riyadh.
“If Saudi Arabia demands a Palestinian state in exchange for normalization, then no thank you,” he said, adding in a dismissive tone that the kingdom could “keep riding camels in the desert” while Israel continued to advance its economy and society.
The statement quickly drew criticism from across Israel’s political spectrum. Opposition leader Yair Lapid accused the government of using rhetoric unworthy of national leadership, warning that such language undermines Israel’s standing in the Middle East. Lapid emphasized in Arabic on social media that Smotrich’s views do not represent all Israelis.
Former lawmaker Yair Golan linked the minister’s comments to the kind of thinking that fueled past regional violence, while Benny Gantz, head of the Blue and White Party, described the remarks as irresponsible and reflective of political extremism rather than statesmanship.
Following mounting pressure, Smotrich issued an apology, acknowledging that his words were “inappropriate” and expressing regret for the offense caused. However, he maintained that Saudi Arabia should also recognize Israel’s historical and cultural claims if genuine peace is to be achieved.
The controversy comes at a sensitive time, as the Israeli parliament recently advanced a bill to incorporate Jewish settlements in the West Bank legislation opposed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu but supported by right-wing allies. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to meet Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in November, with Israeli-Saudi relations likely to feature prominently on the agenda.
Smotrich’s remarks and subsequent apology highlight the deep divisions within Israel’s political leadership over the path toward regional normalization and the role of the Palestinian issue in future negotiations.