Far-right minister Bezalel Smotrich dismissed Saudi Arabia’s call for a Palestinian state, telling Saudis to “ride camels in the desert.”
Israel’s far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich sparked outrage on Thursday after making disparaging remarks about Saudi Arabia, rejecting the idea of normalizing relations with the kingdom in exchange for recognizing a Palestinian state.
Speaking at a conference organized by the Zomet Institute and the Makor Rishon newspaper, Smotrich said, “If Saudi Arabia tells us ‘normalization in exchange for a Palestinian state,’ friends — no thank you. Keep riding camels in the desert in Saudi Arabia, and we will continue developing our economy, society, and state in the great ways we know how.”
Riyadh has yet to respond to Smotrich’s comments. The kingdom has consistently maintained that any normalization with Israel must be conditioned on Tel Aviv’s recognition of a Palestinian state and a genuine political process toward that goal.
Bezalel Smotrich: "If Saudi Arabia is telling us that in return for normalization they want a Palestinian state, we will say: Friends, no thank you, you can continue riding camels on the sand in the Saudi desert." pic.twitter.com/WUCXeXXTKo
— Kevork Almassian (@KevorkAlmassian) October 23, 2025
Smotrich’s remarks drew condemnation from Israeli opposition figures.
“To our friends in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and across the Middle East, Smotrich does not represent the State of Israel,” opposition leader Yair Lapid wrote on X, urging the minister to apologize.
Benny Gantz, head of the Blue and White Party, also criticized Smotrich, saying his comments “reflect ignorance and a lack of awareness of his responsibility as a senior minister in the government and cabinet.”
Smotrich, a key figure in Israel’s far-right coalition, is known for his extremist positions, including calls to expand illegal Jewish settlements and annex the occupied West Bank.
(PC, AJA)
Only a Jew could be so entitled and annoying. Why do people tolerate this? because they’re afraid of being labeled antisemite. I’m not. The Israeli Jewish Nazis are scum. ALL Jews should denounce Israel; it isn’t about Judaism, or Jewry, it’s about Zionism. Is there not even one strong enough to stand up and unite the people to overtake the government there?
GROW A PAIR! or did they snip your balls when they took your foreskin??
kronikdenny says it EXACTLY as it needs to be said!!!