Israel expressed optimism that Saudi authorities would allow its Muslim citizens to take direct flights for the Haj pilgrimage commencing next month, marking another step toward normalizing relations.
While Saudi Arabia has shown support for Israel’s US-backed 2020 ties with Gulf neighbors the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, it has not followed suit, insisting that Palestinian statehood goals must be addressed first.
Factors such as Riyadh’s strained relationship with US President Joe Biden, its recent reconciliation with regional adversary Iran, and the rise of Benjamin Netanyahu’s hard-right Israeli government have further hindered progress.
Muslims make up 18% of Israel’s population. Yair Lapid, Netanyahu’s centrist predecessor, announced on March 10 that he had secured Saudi approval for the first direct Haj flights from Israel during his tenure as prime minister.
A US official speculated in a June interview with Reuters that similar flights would occur, though Riyadh has not confirmed this.
When questioned about the possibility of direct flights to the holy city of Mecca during the upcoming June-August pilgrimage, Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen revealed that a request had been submitted.
During an interview, Cohen told Israel’s Army Radio, “This issue is under discussion. I cannot confirm if any progress has been made.” He added, “However, I am hopeful about our ability to advance peace with Saudi Arabia.”
Currently, Muslims from Israel and the Palestinian territories must travel to Mecca through third countries, an expensive and inconvenient process.
Since 2020, Saudi Arabia has allowed Israeli airlines to fly over its territory to the UAE and Bahrain. This corridor, which Saudi Arabia and neighboring Oman have since expanded, now includes additional destinations. (PhotoNews / Reuters)
