The government invited the Saudi hereditary prince to visit Israel. Saudi Arabia, "the richest and most influential country in the Arab world" is the ideal represented by the Palestinians, "too weak and divided". Israel and Saudi Arabia do not have official diplomatic relations, but in recent months there have been signs of openness.
Jerusalem (AsiaNews / Agencies) - The Israeli government has invited the hereditary prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammad bin Salman, to visit the country, announced by the secret services and transport minister, Yisrael Katz.
Initially reported by the Elaph press agency, the news was confirmed by Katz himself to an Israeli military radio station. He points out that "it will not happen tomorrow", but it points to "great potential for cooperation" between the two countries against the "absolute enemy" Iran.
Israel and Saudi Arabia share rivalry against the Islamic Republic, accused by both countries of trying to control the region. This was the context of the "Saad Hariri case", when the Lebanese premier announced his resignation from Riyadh on 4 November, accusing Iran and the Shiite Lebanese party Hezbollah of ransacking the region, destabilizing Lebanon.
Katz spoke about Hezbollah during the interview with Elaph, warning the Shiite movement that if it launched a war against Israel, "the whole of Lebanon" would become the target of the Jewish armed forces.
During the broadcast, the Israeli politician pointed to Saudi Arabia, "the richest and most influential country in the Arab world", as the ideal represented by the Palestinians, "too weak and divided".
"Saudi Arabia recognizes Israel more than the Palestinians," Katz added.
Israel and Saudi Arabia do not have official diplomatic relations, but in recent months there have been signs of openness. The Israeli authorities reiterate that the growing Iranian influence in the region is raising fears and "convergences of interests" among the countries, opening up a possible revolution of diplomatic relations in the region. At present only Egypt and Jordan recognize the Israeli state.