Blinken: The Arab countries aren’t keen on rebuilding Gaza if it will be leveled to the ground again

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Tuesday that Arab countries aren’t keen to participate in the reconstruction of Gaza it will be razed to the ground again in a few years, and stressed the importance of establishing a Palestinian state in order to reach any regional settlement.

Blinken told CNBC during an interview in Davos, Switzerland, that there was a new equation in the Middle East, and that Israel’s Arab and Muslim neighbors were prepared, according to this equation, to integrate Israel into the region, but they were equally committed to a path that would lead to establish a Palestinian state.

He added that the Arab countries and Washington believe that neither Israel nor the region will enjoy peace, stability and security until this issue is resolved.

“You must solve the Palestinian issue,” Blinken said.

He added, “The Arab countries say this: They say, ‘Look, we won’t interfere in matters, including, for example, the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip if it will be razed to the ground again within a year or five years and then we will be asked to rebuild it again”.

He continued, saying, “You’re now in a situation in which Arab countries, including Saudi Arabia, are once again showing their willingness to do things regarding their relationship with Israel that they were not prepared to do before… This opens the door to a completely different future, a more secure future”.

Blinken added, “With regard to the security of Israel, the Arab side of the equation, and Palestinian peace, this is the path to true permanent security”.

From his part, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan said that the Kingdom OF Saudi Arabia may recognize Israel if a comprehensive agreement is reached that includes the establishment of a state for the Palestinians.

During his last tour in the Middle East just a week ago, Blinken laid out the outlines of an agreement with Israel stipulating that its neighbors would help in rebuilding Gaza after the war, and continue economic integration with Israel, but on the condition that it commit to allowing the establishment of an independent Palestinian state in the end.

US-brokered talks on establishing a Palestinian state in the territories currently occupied by Israel have collapsed for nearly a decade.

Right-wing leaders in the current ruling coalition in Israel oppose the establishment of a Palestinian state.