Saudi Arabia is spearheading a new peace initiative aimed at establishing a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital. This ambitious plan emerges as an alternative to former U.S. President Donald Trump's "Riviera plan," which proposed the reconstruction of Gaza following the eviction of its people. The Saudi proposal focuses on preventing the forced displacement of Palestinians from Gaza and their potential resettlement in Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia.
The driving force behind this plan is Saudi Arabia's strategic interest in mitigating destabilization across several Arab regimes. Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, is concerned that the forced eviction of Palestinians could reignite political Islam, particularly the influence of the Muslim Brotherhood. In response, he seeks to fortify security ties with the United States while simultaneously working towards normalizing relations with Israel.
Prince Mohammed's broader agenda includes economic and social liberalization within Saudi Arabia, which has involved suppressing Islamist movements, including variants associated with the Muslim Brotherhood. He aims to shift domestic focus away from regional and global Muslim causes, reinforcing a national identity distinct from external influences.
Despite its intentions, the plan faces significant challenges. Most notably, it lacks engagement from Palestinian representatives. Hamas, a key player in Palestinian politics, has expressed strong opposition to any proposal that undermines the vision of Palestine held by generations of Palestinian exiles. The plan's promise to raise funds for reconstruction while leaving Palestinians in temporary shelters on their own land has not been well-received.
Prince Mohammed's disdain for Islamist movements is no secret, but his opposition to Hamas is particularly pronounced. As part of a broader effort, the Saudi government seeks to suppress solidarity with Palestinians within its borders. This strategy aligns with Prince Mohammed’s vision of divorcing Saudis from regional and global Muslim causes.
A summit convened in Riyadh underscores the significance of this initiative. Leaders from Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates are gathering to discuss both Saudi Arabia's proposal and Trump's plan for a U.S. takeover of Gaza. The discussions aim to explore viable solutions that balance regional stability with the aspirations of the Palestinian people.
Saudi Arabia's plan also reflects an effort to bolster national security by fostering closer ties with the United States. Prince Mohammed understands that establishing a stable Palestinian state aligns with broader geopolitical interests, potentially reducing tensions and fostering peace in a turbulent region.
However, analysts express skepticism regarding the plan's long-term viability. Without meaningful Palestinian engagement, the proposal may struggle to gain traction. The absence of dialogue with Palestinian leaders raises questions about the feasibility of implementing such a comprehensive solution.