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Netanyahu: Growing relations with Sunni Arabs key to Palestinian progress
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told the World Economic Forum at Davos that Israel and Sunni Arab states are on the same side of the Middle East’s rifts and frictions, and that this relationship can generate diplomatic progress with the Palestinians.
Speaking in an on-stage interview with CNN‘s Fareed Zakaria, Netanyahu said “Saudi Arabia recognizes that Israel is an ally rather than an enemy because of the two principle threats that threaten them, Iran and Daesh [ISIS].” He continued, “Who can help us? They ask. Obviously Israel and the Sunni Arab states are not on opposite sides.” In recent months, Israel has re-opened its embassy in Egypt. In addition, for the first time Israel plans to open a diplomatic mission in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, under the auspices of the International Renewable Energy Agency which is based in the city.
Netanyahu then suggested that the growing relations between Israel and Sunni Arab states could aid diplomatic efforts between Israel and the Palestinians, saying, “There is a great shift taking place…we used to think that if we solved the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, it would solve the larger Israeli Arab conflict. The more I look at it, the more I think it may be the other way around. That by nurturing these relationships that are taking place now with the Arab world, that could actually help us resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and we’re actually working towards that end.”
Also at the Davos conference yesterday, Netanyahu repeated his invitation to meet Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas without preconditions. Netanyahu’s office rejected a claim by Abbas that he had asked Netanyahu’s representatives to meet but had received no response.
Meanwhile, on the side lines of the conference, Netanyahu met with US Vice President Joe Biden, to discuss Iran, ISIS and the Palestinians, in a meeting termed “friendly” and in an “excellent” atmosphere according to Netanyahu’s office. A similar meeting was held with US Secretary of State John Kerry.