Israel Blocks Saudi-Led West Bank Visit, Strains Normalization Prospects

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's decision to block a planned visit by senior Arab and Islamic foreign ministers, including Saudi Arabia's top diplomat, to the West Bank has sparked strong criticism from Saudi Arabia and other Arab states. The delegation aimed to meet Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas to support Palestinian statehood efforts, but Israel cited concerns over the meeting promoting Palestinian statehood as the reason for the ban. Saudi sources accused Netanyahu of prioritizing personal political interests over peace and warned that this move harms the prospects for normalization between Israel and Saudi Arabia. The blockade also drew condemnation from other Arab foreign ministers who condemned Israel for its policies toward the Palestinians and accused it of perpetuating occupation. This incident complicates U.S.-backed efforts to broker normalization deals in the region, as Saudi Arabia insists on a two-state solution before establishing diplomatic ties with Israel. Meanwhile, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei called on Muslim countries to cut aid to Israel and support Palestinians amid ongoing violence, highlighting deep regional divisions over the conflict.