NEOM: Saudi Arabia’s Cabinet on Tuesday strongly condemned remarks by the Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, regarding his vision for a so-called “Greater Israel,” and rejected what it described as expansionist settlement projects that violate the rule of international law and undermine Palestinian rights.
During a meeting in NEOM chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Cabinet members reaffirmed the Kingdom’s firm stance on the historical and legal right of the Palestinian people to establish an independent, sovereign state on their lands.
Ministers also denounced recent approvals for new Israeli settlements in areas around occupied Jerusalem, and called on the international community, particularly the permanent members of the UN Security Council, to take immediate action to halt what they described as crimes against the Palestinian people and ensure that Israeli authorities comply with UN resolutions, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
After the meeting, the acting minister of media, Essam bin Saad bin Saeed, said the Cabinet had addressed other regional and international issues, and reiterated Saudi support for diplomatic efforts to peacefully resolve the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Members welcomed US President Donald Trump’s recent meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders.
Tuesday was World Humanitarian Day, and to mark the occasion the Cabinet highlighted Saudi Arabia’s longstanding commitment to aid efforts, noting the Kingdom’s prominent position among the ranks of the world’s largest donor nations.
On the domestic from, members reviewed achievements in the education sector ahead of the start of the new academic year, including curriculum development, the integration of artificial intelligence, expanded technical training, and support for innovation and the development of talent.
They also approved several cooperation agreements and memorandums of understanding with international partners in a variety of fields including sports and tourism, customs, health, and the development of small and medium enterprises. Agreements with the US, Spain, Syria, Qatar, Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Grenada and the Maldives were endorsed.
In addition, Cabinet members approved the introduction of new systems governing handicrafts, environmental coordination, and promotions and transfers within senior government ranks, the SPA added.
