JERUSALEM: Israel offered its congratulations to Saudi Arabia on the kingdom's national day Saturday as the two countries move closer towards a possible normalisation of ties.

"We offer our sincere congratulations and blessings to the king, government and people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on the occasion of the 93rd national day," the Israeli foreign ministry said in a statement.

"May God bring you good and blessings... with our wishes that an atmosphere of peace, cooperation and good neighbourliness will prevail," it added in the statement on its Arabic-language account on X, formerly Twitter.

Saudi crown prince says getting 'closer' to Israel normalization: Fox interview

A foreign ministry spokesman did not immediately respond when asked by AFP whether it was the first time Israel had offered its congratulations on Saudi national day.

In an address to the UN General Assembly On Friday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said: "We are at the cusp of... an historic peace between Israel and Saudi Arabia".

Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler, Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman, had similarly told Fox News that the two counties were getting "closer" to normalising ties.

Several Arab states, including the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, normalised their relations with Israel in 2020 under the so-called Abraham Accords but Saudi Arabia has so far held out.

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Az_Iz Sep 23, 2023 11:30pm
Netanyahu has recently made a statement that Israel is ready to make concessions to Palestinians in exchange for diplomatic recognition by KSA. If the concessions are significant, leading the way ,for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state including East Jerusalem , then hostile feelings towards Israel and the West, could also come down for many Muslims, who staunchly back the Palestinians. MBS would also look good, for not having thrown the Palestinians under the bus. Let’s hope Israel follows through on it’s statement.
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Az_Iz Sep 23, 2023 11:41pm
Media in the West as well as Israel is saying, Netanyahu is willing to make concessions to the Palestinians, for peace with KSA. Significant moves towards establishing an independent Palestinian state, including East Jerusalem, would be welcomed by the supporters of Palestinians. KSA and MBS will get due credit for not throwing the Palestinians under the bus. Hostilities against Israel in particular and to quite an extent against West in general should subside in the Muslim world. Then Israel can congratulate any Muslim country anytime, and it will not ring hollow.
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