Israeli Minister Smotrich Apologizes to Saudis After Controversial Remarks
Bezalel Smotrich, Israel’s far-right Finance Minister, has issued an apology to the people of Saudi Arabia after making disparaging remarks about Arab culture while rejecting a proposed normalization deal with Riyadh in exchange for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.
Speaking at a tech conference organized by the Zoom Institute and Makor Rishon newspaper, Smotrich mocked the idea of such a diplomatic trade-off, saying, “If the Saudis tell us normalization in exchange for a Palestinian state, we’ll say: No, thank you. Let them continue riding their camels in the desert.”
His comments, widely circulated in regional media, sparked outrage across the Middle East. Facing mounting criticism, Smotrich later clarified his remarks, stating they did not reflect Israel’s official position and expressing regret for any offense caused.
Hazem Qassem, a spokesperson for the Palestinian group Hamas, condemned Smotrich’s statements as racist and disrespectful, saying they reflect an unprecedented level of contempt by the Israeli administration toward regional nations and structures. Qassem added that the Israeli regime continues to demonstrate its hostile and alien nature toward all peoples and components of the Islamic world.
The controversy emerges amid renewed discussions over Saudi Arabia’s potential role in advancing Middle East peace and recognizing Israel. Smotrich’s inflammatory rhetoric has added new complications to ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
