Tel Aviv:
Israel’s far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has apologized for his recent controversial remarks about Saudi Arabia, calling them “inappropriate” and expressing regret if they caused any offense.
Earlier this week, Smotrich sparked outrage after he reportedly said that if Saudi Arabia demanded the establishment of a Palestinian state as a condition for normalizing ties with Israel, then “the Saudis should continue riding camels in the desert.”
The remarks were widely condemned within Israel, including by members of the opposition. Former Prime Minister and current opposition leader Yair Lapid wrote in Arabic on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), saying:
“To our friends in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East — Smotrich does not represent the State of Israel.”
Lapid urged Smotrich to apologize for his statement, calling it disrespectful and damaging to Israel’s diplomatic image.
Similarly, former Defense Minister Benny Gantz criticized Smotrich, saying his comments reflected “ignorance and a lack of responsibility” unbecoming of a senior government official.
Amid mounting criticism, Smotrich later released a video message admitting that his comments about Saudi Arabia were “inappropriate.”
He added, “If my remarks offended anyone, I sincerely apologize.”
The controversy comes at a time when Israel and Saudi Arabia are reportedly exploring the possibility of U.S.-mediated normalization talks — a process complicated by regional tensions and the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Smotrich, known for his hardline positions and past inflammatory remarks, has previously drawn international criticism for his comments on Palestinians and Israel’s Arab citizens.
