Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar dismissed the creation of a Palestinian state as an unrealistic goal, emphasizing the current threat posed by Hamas in Gaza. Speaking in Jerusalem, Sa’ar expressed skepticism about the viability of a Palestinian state, stating, “I don’t think this position is realistic today and we must be realistic.”

He further argued that a Palestinian state would ultimately become a “Hamas state,” about the militant group currently in control of Gaza. This stance comes amid the ongoing conflict that erupted after Hamas launched a devastating attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023. Israel has since been engaged in a war with the group, further complicating the situation.

Sa’ar’s remarks came in the context of ongoing discussions about the normalization of ties between Israel and Arab nations, a process that had gained momentum through the 2020 Abraham Accords, a diplomatic breakthrough brokered by former US President Donald Trump. Sa’ar’s comments suggest a significant obstacle to the possibility of peace talks based on a two-state solution.

As Sa’ar voiced his concerns in Jerusalem, Arab and Muslim leaders convened in Saudi Arabia to discuss the ongoing wars in Gaza and Lebanon, where Israel is also facing Hezbollah, an ally of Hamas. These diplomatic moves highlight the complexity of the Israeli-Palestinian issue in light of current regional tensions.