Saudi Arabia will not normalize relations with Israel without the establishment of a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said on Wednesday.

"The Kingdom will not cease its diligent efforts to establish an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital," he said at an annual address before the Shura Council in Riyadh.

"We confirm that Saudi Arabia will not establish diplomatic relations with Israel until that goal is achieved."

Bin Salman, who is also Saudi Arabia's prime minister, said his government condemns "crimes" committed by Israel in violation of international law.

"The Palestinian cause is a top priority for Saudi Arabia, and we reiterate the kingdom's rejection and strong condemnation of the crimes committed by the Israeli occupation authorities against the Palestinian people, in disregard of international and humanitarian law in a new and bitter chapter of suffering," he said. 

“We extend our thanks to the countries that recognized the Palestinian state in embodiment of international legitimacy, and we urge the rest of the countries to take similar steps,” he added.

(Source: Middle East Eye)