Saudi Arabia’s warning to Israel over West Bank annexation

Saudi Arabia conveyed a message to Israel that if it annexes any part of the West Bank, there will be major repercussions across all areas.

Hebrew-language Channel 12 reported that Riyadh has not specified what steps it might take, but it could declare the prospect of normalization of relations as dead or re-close its airspace to Israeli flights, which it had opened in 2022.

The UAE had previously warned that annexation of the West Bank would be a red line.

Far-right allies of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have encouraged him to move forward with annexing the West Bank, or parts of it, in response to international initiatives to recognize the State of Palestine.

According to Channel 12 of Israeli television, Saudi officials this week, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, will hold talks with Trump—along with leaders from the UAE, Qatar, Jordan, Egypt, and Turkey—on ways to end the Gaza war and on “day after” scenarios.

Trump will also hold a separate meeting with leaders of the Persian Gulf states.

Netanyahu had earlier convened a meeting to review possible responses to moves by countries to recognize the State of Palestine.