Israeli Transport Minister Merav Michaeli revealed “ongoing work” with Saudi Arabia to normalise relations between the two countries, under a US mediation.
“Work is underway with Saudi Arabia regarding the overflight of Israeli aircraft over its territory, which may reduce the flight time as part of the normalisation process,” the minister was quoted as saying.
Michaeli pointed out that no results can be expected at this time, “but work is in progress.”
Michaeli's remarks come as US President Joe Biden said that he will not be meeting Saudi Arabia's de facto leader Mohammed bin Salman when he's in the kingdom next month, and insisted he will only see the crown prince as part of a broader “international meeting on regional security” in reference to advancing normalisation between Israel and Saudi Arabia.
According to several media reports, Biden's trip to the region is an attempt to forge closer ties between Saudi Arabia and Israel.
Visiting Saudi Arabia would reflect a shift in diplomatic priorities by Biden and an effort to mend ties with a country he once pledged to make a “pariah” for its human-rights abuses.
Meanwhile, Israeli media sources claimed that the US administration is pushing for a regional defense pact to cooperate with Israel, Egypt, Jordan, Iraq, and the entire Gulf Cooperation Council.
An integrated defense system would protect relevant countries from “cruise and ballistic missiles, manned and unmanned aerial systems, and rocket attacks from Iran,” according to the wording of the pact.
Critics considered the pact part of the US effort to bolster defense cooperation between Israel and Arab nations and thwart threats from Iran.
The pact would authorize the US Defense Department to cooperate with Israel, Egypt, Jordan, Iraq, and the entire Gulf Cooperation Council and requires the Pentagon to submit a strategy for integrated air and missile defense system within six months.
The Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman seeks to heir to the Saudi throne by all possible means, including normalising the ties with Israel. Will he succeed?
