RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has requested an official explanation from the United States after remarks attributed to the US ambassador to Israel regarding Israeli territorial claims in the Middle East.
In a statement, the Saudi Foreign Ministry rejected the comments and described them as inconsistent with international law and established diplomatic principles. The ministry said such statements could negatively affect regional peace and stability.
Riyadh said it had formally contacted the US State Department seeking clarification on the nature and context of the remarks.
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) also issued a separate statement condemning the comments, calling them provocative and contrary to the United Nations Charter. The bloc warned that rhetoric of this nature risks increasing tensions in the region.
Saudi Arabia and the OIC urged the international community to uphold international law and respect the sovereignty of states, stressing the importance of maintaining stability in the Middle East.
The controversy follows comments reportedly made by the US envoy suggesting a religious justification for Israeli control over territory in the region.
