Strategic calculations: Saudi Ambassador to Palestine's impact on Israel-Saudi ties

Saudi Arabia has appointed an ambassador to the Palestinian territories in a move with significant regional, political, and strategic implications.

A Saudi official delegation, led by Ambassador Naif Al Sudairi, arrived in the occupied West Bank to present his credentials to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. Ambassador Al Sudairi will serve as a non-resident ambassador to the Palestinian territories and hold the Consul General position in Jerusalem.

The timing of this Saudi decision raises questions as it aligns with ongoing Saudi-Israeli normalization efforts.

One of Riyadh's conditions for normalization with Tel Aviv has been establishing a Palestinian state.

Previously, Israeli leadership had hoped to make an agreement with the Saudis without significant progress on the Palestinian front.

However, this recent Saudi move sends a clear message to Tel Aviv that this will not be the case. Saudi Arabia has appointed a consul in Jerusalem, firmly establishing Jerusalem as part of Palestinian territory.

The Palestinian Liberation Organization views this decision as a sign of Riyadh's support for declaring an independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital.

In contrast, the Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth describes the Saudi decision as a strong message and a historic step reaffirming Riyadh's commitment to Israel, signaling that Saudi Arabia seeks substantial and tangible steps in favor of the Palestinian people in exchange for normalization.

Yedioth Ahronoth suggests that the Saudi decision undermines Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's claims that Riyadh will not demand significant concessions from Tel Aviv concerning the Palestinians.

What will the future of Saudi-Israeli negotiations hold following this development?