Historic Visit
Israeli Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi landed in the Saudi capital Riyadh on Monday to attend a meeting of a UN agency’s Universal Postal Union. Speculations have arisen suggesting that the two countries are moving toward establishing diplomatic ties.
His trip to the oil-rich kingdom follows Israeli Tourism Minister Haim Katz’s participation in a UN meeting in Riyadh just a week ago. Katz’s visit marked the first official visit by an Israeli minister to Saudi Arabia, as both nations lack formal diplomatic relations.
The minister’s office issued a statement indicating that Karhi is expected to deliver a speech during his trip and hold meetings with various officials, including the US ambassador to Saudi Arabia and the Turkish minister.
Saudi Arabia, known for housing the holiest sites in Islam, Mecca and Medina, has never officially recognized Israel.
The kingdom has consistently maintained that recognition would only occur with the establishment of a two-state solution for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and a just settlement for Palestinian refugees.
Nevertheless, the Biden administration in the United States is actively pushing for a groundbreaking deal that could potentially reshape the Middle East landscape.
Moreover, the Palestinians have emphasized the necessity of their inclusion in any agreement, and it remains uncertain what concessions Israel may be willing to make. Last week, the White House announced that Saudi Arabia and Israel were progressing towards the framework of a deal.
National Security Council spokesman John Kirby informed reporters that all parties had outlined a fundamental framework for potential progress during his visit to Riyadh.
This development followed Israeli Tourism Minister Haim Katz’s visit to Saudi Arabia, where he attended a UNWTO event, making him the first Israeli minister to lead an official delegation to the kingdom. Overall, Israeli minister’s historic Riyadh trip hints at possible normalization steps.
