IntelScoops

RIYADH — Saudi Arabia is taking center stage in a renewed global effort to secure international recognition for a Palestinian state, marking a dramatic shift in its approach to the decades-old conflict. While some observers hail the campaign as a rare opportunity to revive the stalled two-state solution, others question the Gulf kingdom’s motivations.

The Saudi-led initiative — launched in September 2024 alongside Norway under the banner of the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution — has gained visible momentum. Riyadh has hosted two major diplomatic gatherings, and just last week co-chaired a high-level conference with France, where several Western countries — including the UK, Canada, Malta, Australia, and France itself — voiced support for Palestinian statehood or signaled they were seriously considering it.

This flurry of diplomatic activity follows a December 2024 UN General Assembly vote reaffirming that the two-state solution remains the international consensus on how to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Saudi Arabia has since positioned itself as a key broker, leveraging its diplomatic capital and global partnerships to push the agenda forward.

A Calculated Pivot?

To supporters, Riyadh’s effort is a “masterclass in diplomacy” that offers the most serious chance in years for meaningful progress on Palestinian sovereignty. It suggests the kingdom is stepping into a statesmanlike role in the Middle East — one grounded in regional stability, pan-Arab solidarity, and humanitarian commitment.

Yet, skeptics argue the move is equally — if not more — strategic. They describe the campaign as a calculated bid to reshape Saudi Arabia’s global image, particularly as it seeks broader geopolitical legitimacy amid longstanding concerns over its human rights record, including the war in Yemen and crackdowns on dissent.

“This is as much about Riyadh’s positioning on the world stage as it is about the Palestinian cause,” one European diplomat noted. “They’re aiming to be seen as power brokers, not just oil barons.”

Strategic Timing

The timing is also significant. Saudi Arabia is currently navigating complex relations with both Washington and Beijing, managing a delicate normalization process with Israel, and preparing for its high-profile hosting of major international summits. Leading a widely supported moral cause like Palestinian statehood helps soften global criticism and reinforces Riyadh’s narrative of reform and responsibility under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Whether the kingdom’s push yields lasting change remains to be seen. Recognition alone does not resolve the core political and territorial disputes, nor does it ensure peace on the ground. But the coalition of countries gathering behind Saudi Arabia’s diplomatic lead — and the sustained focus on the two-state solution — marks a notable shift in the global tone surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

In the words of one Arab analyst, “Whatever their motivations, the Saudis have brought the question of Palestinian statehood back to the centre of international diplomacy. And in a world distracted by other crises, that’s no small feat.”