Israel expressed hope on Wednesday that Saudi authorities will accept direct flights What a step towards normalizing relations for our Muslim citizens who want to perform Haj pilgrimage next month.
Saudi Arabia indicated approval for Israel’s US-sponsored ties with Gulf neighbors the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain in 2020, but later held off, saying Palestinian goals for the state must be addressed first .
However, Riyadh’s tensions with US President Joe Biden, the recent rise of regional rival Iran – Israel’s enemy – and the hard-right Israeli government of Benjamin Netanyahu have clouded any such prospects.
Netanyahu’s centrist predecessor, Yair Lapid, said on March 10 that, as prime minister last year, he had obtained Saudi consent for what would First direct Haj flights from IsraelAbout 18% of whose population is Muslim.
Riyadh has not offered a confirmation.
Why will direct flights to Saudi Arabia start?
asked that There will be direct flights for next month’s pilgrimage For the holy Saudi city of Mecca, Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen said a request had been submitted.
In an interview with Israel’s Army Radio, he said, “The issue is under discussion. I cannot tell you if there has been any progress.” “But with this, I am optimistic that we can advance peace with Saudi Arabia.”
The Biden administration predicted last June that there would be direct charter flights from Israel to Saudi Arabia for the Hajj. But a senior US official on the matter told Reuters on Wednesday it was “unclear” whether the flights would go ahead.
Muslims from Israel and the Palestinian Territories currently travel to Mecca through third-party countries, which can cause additional expense and hassle.
Saudi Arabia is allowing Israeli airlines to fly to the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain from 2020, a corridor it and neighboring Oman have expanded to include other destinations.