Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich sparked controversy after saying Saudi Arabia could "keep riding camels" if normalisation required a Palestinian state. Speaking at a conference organised by the Zomet Institute and Makor Rishon, Smotrich rejected Saudi conditions for a peace deal. His remarks came just after the Knesset gave preliminary approval to a bill applying Israeli sovereignty to West Bank settlements, despite opposition from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his Likud party. Smotrich later apologised, calling his comment inappropriate while urging Saudi Arabia to pursue true peace. The statement highlights ongoing tensions as Israel seeks annexation and regional countries maintain normalisation conditions.
