The US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said today that Saudi Arabia’s de facto leader reiterated his strong interest in forging ties with Israel but that he would like an end to the conflict in Gaza and a “timeline” for the establishment of a Palestinian state.

“In terms of normalization, the crown prince reiterated Saudi Arabia’s strong interest in continuing” down this path, Blinken told reporters in Dohathe day after his meeting with Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh. “However, he was very clear in repeating to me that for this to happen, two things are necessary: ​​an end to the conflict in Gaza and a clear and credible timetable for the establishment of a Palestinian state.”

At the same time in Washingtonthe White House National Security Council spokesman said the Biden administration has received positive feedback regarding the willingness of Saudi Arabia and Israel to continue talks to normalize their relations.