FILE PHOTO: Saudi Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman attends a graduation ceremony and air show marking the 50th anniversary of the founding of King Faisal Air College in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, January 25, 2017. (Reuters Photo)
Israeli Intelligence Minister Yisrael Katz wants Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to visit, his spokesman said Wednesday, in what would be a historic trip involving two nations with no official diplomatic ties.
Israeli leaders have repeatedly spoken of improving ties with the Arab world and hinted at behind-the-scenes cooperation, particularly involving their efforts to limit their common enemy Iran.
Katz issued the call during an interview with Elaph, a news website run by a Saudi businessman, his spokesman Arye Shalicar said.
The call was not included in the final version of the interview published online. Shalicar could not comment on why, but said Katz had indeed made the comments.
“He said that he asks the king to invite (Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu officially to Riyadh, and he asks MBS, Mohammed bin Salman, the son, to come and visit Israel,” Shalicar said of Katz, who is also transportation minister.
Katz made the call because “he wants regional peace — that’s part of his three-layered program,” his spokesman said, referring to security and economic cooperation leading to eventual peace.
He referred to Saudi Arabia as a leader in the Arab world.
Netanyahu has spoken repeatedly and with pride about growing rapprochement with “moderate Arab states” without naming them, although he is assumed to be referring to Saudi Arabia and other Gulf monarchies.
In November, Israeli military chief of staff Gadi Eisenkot said in an interview with the same website Katz spoke to that his country was prepared to cooperate with Saudi Arabia to face Iran’s plans “to control the Middle East.”
Arab countries have not made similar statements publicly and continue to criticise Israel over its 50-year occupation of Palestinian territory.
US President Donald Trump’s recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital last week has drawn sharp criticism from Saudi Arabia.
King Salman said Wednesday that Palestinians have the right to Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem as their capital.
Only two Arab countries — Jordan and Egypt — have peace treaties with Israel.
In Katz’s interview on Wednesday, he also issued a warning to Lebanon and Shiite group Hezbollah, which is based in the neighboring country.
Israel and Hezbollah fought a war in 2006 and often trade warnings.
Katz said if Hezbollah initiates a war against Israel, “this time all of Lebanon will be a target.”
“What happened in 2006 would be a picnic compared to what could happen… I say Lebanon will return to the stone age,” he threatened
Categories: Arab World, Asia, Israel, Saudi Arabia
‘invites’ or ‘summons’ ? And why the Intel Chief and not the President?
Regarding the 2006 Israeli Lebanese war. I was in Beirut during that time. Two points: (1) When Lebanon appealed to the US Government to influence Israel to stop its bombs the response from the US Secretary of State was ‘it is too early’ (in other words: more destruction should be done before the fighting stops. (2) The US media tried its best to divide the Muslims and Christians of Lebanon. Repeatedly Christian leaders were interviewed with the leading question: ‘do you not blame the Muslims for this war’. The Christian Bishop did NOT fall into the trap. He answered that if Israel wants war they will go for it, if not with this excuse than with another one.
Hopefully, MBS can bring different approch to create peace. Love and respect the differences is the core to achieve peace, harmony and happiness
Hatred is the root of evil, violence, unhappiness and poverty.
Let us love all people.
Strange that you expect anything good from MbS, the murerer of Yemen …
I know Mbs killing innocent people of Yemen, I do not agree it, but I see most Yemen people HATE Jews like the extremist Hamas, Hesbullah or Iran.
So the hatred is always be defeated soon or later.
I do not knoe why Allah choose or let Trump and Mbs became leaders now?
Only Allah know what His plan to the world.
Pray to Allah for the best
❤️
Somi: Do not mix up hatred of Jews with hatred of Israelis who steal your house and land. These are two completely separate things. – May be Allah choose Trump and MbS as punishment and not as a reward. Allah knows best.
You mean as punishment for Hamas, Palestine and Yamen people? Right? I agree that if it is so.
❤️
Have a good day in Lombok
What city you live in Raffiq?
Do you like Lombok foods?
Do not you miss your nice country and family?
I live near the beach, not in town. https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/18419498?location=Mangsit%2C%20Senggigi%2C%20West%20Lombok%20Regency%2C%20West%20Nusa%20Tenggara%2C%20Indonesia You and all readers of The Muslim Times are most welcome.
Good fresh fish with rice and vegetable at less than 6.50 US$, yes, good food and very reasonable prices. (And I will visit Switzerland again after some time). You are wellcome there too. The same dish of fresh fish, rice and vegetable will cost you about 5 times more.
In simple words I can say that it is never advisable to visit Jews> They are more clever than Saudis. Never trust them?
God say: Jews are a chosen poeople, they will rule of the world. We can see now. They are intelligent and lovely people . God bless them.
“Love your neighbor as you love your self” as a guidance for God how to live on earth.
Arab nations tried to attack Israel, but they failed 5 times. It is s true proof thst God bless them. God punish the extremist Arab Muslim.
Sorry we have different view to see Jews
All❤️
Every peoples to whom a prophet came were the chosen people AT THAT TIME. As Prophet Mohammad, peace and blessings of Allah be on him, was sent to the whole world, therefore now the whole world is equal. Israel chosen people? May be at the time of the old testament. Long past.
Reblogged this on bearmedicinegaryjsackbearmedicine.
Hi, Somi—thank you. Please correct yourself” Jews were chosen people ? Our Book does not say what you tell us. Sorry . No more argument, SIR.