Iraq Condemns Netanyahu’s Remarks on Palestinian State as Sovereignty Violation
“The Iraqi Foreign Ministry strongly condemns and denounces the provocative remarks of the Prime Minister of the Israeli entity, Benjamin Netanyahu, on the establishment of a Palestinian state on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's territory,” the statement read.
Feb. 9, 2025
ERBIL, Kurdistan24 – The Iraqi Foreign Ministry strongly condemned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s remarks on the establishment of a Palestinian state on Saudi Arabian territory, calling them a blatant violation of the Kingdom’s sovereignty and an attack on Palestinian rights.
In an official statement issued on Sunday, the ministry denounced Netanyahu’s comments and reaffirmed Iraq’s unwavering support for Saudi Arabia’s territorial integrity.
“The Iraqi Foreign Ministry strongly condemns and denounces the provocative remarks of the Prime Minister of the Israeli entity, Benjamin Netanyahu, on the establishment of a Palestinian state on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's territory,” the statement read. “The Ministry stresses its categorical rejection of these remarks, which represent a blatant violation of the Kingdom’s sovereignty and an assault on the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, in addition to violating international law and the United Nations Charter.”
Reaffirming its solidarity with Saudi Arabia, the ministry emphasized that Iraq remains committed to supporting the security, stability, and sovereignty of all states, stressing that any violation of national sovereignty is wholly unacceptable.
Saudi Arabia’s Response
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia also issued a statement on Sunday, expressing appreciation for the condemnation and rejection of Netanyahu’s remarks by Arab nations.
“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia appreciates the condemnation, disapproval, and total rejection announced by the brotherly countries towards what Benjamin Netanyahu stated regarding the displacement of the Palestinian people from their land,” the Saudi Foreign Ministry said. “The Kingdom values the positions that emphasize the centrality of the Palestinian issue to the Arab and Muslim countries.”
The statement reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s long-standing commitment to the Palestinian cause and underscored its rejection of any proposals that undermine Palestinian sovereignty.
Netanyahu’s Proposal Sparks Regional Backlash
In a recent interview with Israel's Channel 14, Netanyahu suggested that Saudi Arabia could allocate part of its territory for the establishment of a Palestinian state, noting that "they have a lot of land." This remark was made after the interviewer mistakenly referred to a "Saudi state" instead of a "Palestinian state," to which Netanyahu responded by correcting the term and adding his suggestion.
Netanyahu's comments have drawn significant criticism from various Arab nations, including Egypt and Saudi Arabia. The Egyptian Foreign Ministry labeled the suggestion as "irresponsible" and a direct infringement on Saudi sovereignty, emphasizing that the security of the kingdom is a "red line" for Egypt.
Trump’s Controversial Comments on Gaza
The controversy surrounding Netanyahu’s remarks comes following U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent declaration that the United States would “take over” and “own” Gaza. Trump’s remarks, made after discussions with Netanyahu in Washington, have sparked widespread condemnation across the Arab world.
“The US will take over the Gaza Strip, and we will do a job with it, too. We’ll own it,” Trump stated, a declaration that stunned Palestinians and the international community alike. The comments have further fueled outrage among Arab nations, reinforcing concerns over foreign interventions in Palestinian affairs.