BICOM

What happened: Israel’s Tourism Minister Haim Katz (Likud) became the first Israeli minister to formally visit Saudi Arabia.

• He arrived yesterday, leading an Israeli delegation that is attending the conference of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation.
• Katz confirmed that his trip had been authorised by the prime minister. He told Kan News, “the prime minister understands that tourism is a bridge to peace, a bridge to economy, that dialogue does that.”
• Katz further told Israeli media, “after 48 years, Israel was chosen to lead a strategic delegation. We were warmly received in the Riyadh by officials. I estimate that we will meet many delegations at the conference, those with whom we have relations, and, I estimate, also with those with who we don’t really.”
• In parallel yesterday, Saudi Arabia’s first ambassador to the Palestinian Authority (PA), Nayef al-Sudairi, made his first visit to Ramallah.
• Sudairi met with PA Chairman Abbas. After the meeting he said the pair, “emphasised the close relationship between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the State of Palestine, and God willing, this visit will be the beginning of strengthening more relations in all fields.”
• Sudairi added, “We are working to establish a Palestinian state with its capital in East Jerusalem. Riyadh has a great interest in the Palestinian issue and its resolution based on international legitimacy resolutions.”

Context: The visit of an Israeli minister in Riyadh is the latest incremental step that compliments the growing anticipation that Israel and Saudi Arabia could reach a normalisation agreement in the next few months.

• Anticipation over a potential deal has been growing as the three principle leaders, US President Biden, Prime Minister Netanyahu and Crown Prince MBS are all motivated to reach an historic understanding.
• Last week Netanyahu and Biden discussed the issue when they met on the sidelines of the UNGA in New York. For more details on the potential deal see our recent briefing: ‘Diplomatic efforts ongoing to reach Israel–Saudi normalisation’.
• Adding to the speculation, MBS last week gave an interview to US Fox News, in which he said that “every day we get closer” to normalisation.
• There have been at least three recent low-level interactions between Israelis and Saudis:
  • An Israeli diplomatic delegation visited Saudi Arabia for the UNESCO World Heritage Committee meeting last month.
  • In July, a team of Israeli computer gamers participated in a FIFA competition in Saudi Arabia.
  • According to Kan News, Israel’s Health Ministry Deputy Director General Dr. Sefi Mendelovich met secretly with a Saudi minister a week ago.
• In 2020, Prime Minister Netanyahu made a secret visit to the Saudi city of Neom where he met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.
• Sudairi lives in Jordan, where he already served as ambassador. His new role includes “non-resident ambassador” to the PA and Saudi Arabia’s consul-general in Jerusalem. Although the later role requires Israeli approval, his appointment is viewed as further indication of Saudi’s engagement in Israeli-Palestinian relations.

Looking ahead: Next week Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi (Likud) is also expected to visit Saudi Arabia with a small delegation to attend the Universal Postal Union’s 2023 Extraordinary Congress.

• David Bitan, also a Likud MK and head of the Knesset Economic Affairs Committee, is due to join the visit.
• Behind the scenes, negotiations are expected to continue under US leadership to reach a formal normalisation agreement in the next few months.