Smotrich Accuses Saudi Arabia of Denying Jewish Heritage

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich reignited tensions with Saudi Arabia on Monday, accusing the kingdom of denying Jewish heritage and tradition during a press conference at the Knesset. The comments came amid growing controversy over Riyadh’s reported preconditions for normalizing ties with Israel.

“Saudi Arabia denies our tradition and our heritage,” Smotrich declared during a Religious Zionist Party faction meeting. The statement echoed his earlier criticism of the Saudis, when he controversially said they should “keep riding camels in the Saudi desert” if they condition normalization on the creation of a Palestinian state.

Although Smotrich issued a partial apology last week admitting that his words were “not successful” and expressing regret for any offense caused he maintained his core argument. “I expect the Saudis not to harm us and not to deny the heritage, tradition, and rights of the Jewish people,” he said in a video posted on social media.

Smotrich’s tone on Monday made clear that the apology did not represent a full retraction. “We have survived 77 years without Saudi Arabia, we can survive 77 more without it,” he added defiantly, pushing back against both external and domestic critics.

The finance minister also criticized Israeli figures who expressed offense on Saudi Arabia’s behalf. “These incidents are a thousand times more insulting than an ill-advised comment by a finance minister,” he said, arguing that Saudi calls for a Palestinian state represent a direct denial of Jewish historical and religious claims to Judea and Samaria.

“When Saudis discuss a Palestinian state, they deny our heritage, our tradition, our history, the Bible... Judea and Samaria is at the heart of Judaism and Jewish history,” he told reporters.

While emphasizing that Israel believes in peace, Smotrich insisted it would not accept normalization “at any price,” particularly not at the cost of national sovereignty or historical truth. “Nobody is doing us a favor by normalizing ties and joining the Abraham Accords,” he said. “We will not agree to any nation setting conditions related to Israel’s territorial integrity.”

Smotrich also referenced the ongoing conflict in Gaza, warning that peace efforts must not be allowed to distract from the war’s unresolved objectives. “The deal's real test is its implementation,” he said. “The State of Israel will not allow Gaza’s rehabilitation while Hamas is yet to be dismantled.”

His comments come at a delicate diplomatic moment, as U.S.-brokered talks continue to explore the potential for Saudi Arabia to join the Abraham Accords. While normalization between Jerusalem and Riyadh would represent a seismic shift in regional alliances, Smotrich’s remarks underscore that segments of Israel’s leadership remain deeply wary of any deal perceived to compromise Jewish historical claims or national security.

Israel continues to chart a path that balances peace with strength, insisting on terms that protect its heritage, its people, and its future. Share this article or subscribe to our newsletter for more insights into Israel’s evolving diplomatic landscape.