Israeli PM Netanyahu thanks Saudi Arabia for treating stranded Israelis well as relations improve.

An Unexpected Landing in Saudi Arabia

An Air Seychelles flight to Israel encountered a technical electrical malfunction while ⁢flying⁤ over the Red Sea, forcing it⁣ to make an emergency landing at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Saudi Arabia. The ⁣diversion to Jeddah caught ⁤the attention of the Israeli Foreign Ministry, as Israel does⁣ not have diplomatic ties or air links with Saudi Arabia. Despite the ​initial fear and uncertainty among the 128 Israeli passengers on board, they were pleasantly surprised⁣ by the treatment they received from their Saudi hosts.

A Surprising Welcome

Sharon Licht-Patren, one⁣ of ⁤the passengers, described the experience as “scary” when they were informed about the‍ landing in Saudi Arabia.‍ However, the Saudi authorities ensured⁤ their safety and comfort throughout the ordeal. The Israeli passengers were escorted to an​ airport ‍hotel, where they⁢ spent the night. Emmanuel Carmel,‍ another passenger, expressed his⁣ surprise ⁤at the warm ‌welcome they received, stating, “We ⁣were told we were welcome. We ⁢didn’t expect it.”

Israeli passengers say they are treated courteously in Jeddah International Airport pic.twitter.com/qHtW4Dkdq4

— Haisam Hassanein (@HaisamHassanei1) August 29, 2023

Chen Giladi, another passenger, shared his positive experience, stating, “They took us in ‍buses to a lovely ⁤hotel at the terminal and they treated us⁢ very well. From the moment we disembarked, they‌ greeted us with ‘shalom’ in Hebrew and made us feel⁤ good. They are very nice here.”

אני מאוד מעריך את היחס החם של הרשויות הסעודיות לנוסעים ​הישראלים שהמטוס שלהם נקלע למצוקה ונאלץ לנחות נחיתת חירום בג’דה.

אני ‍שמח שכולם חוזרים הביתה.

אני מאוד מעריך את השכנות הטובה. pic.twitter.com/XyVj0o9B1g

—⁣ Benjamin Netanyahu – בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) August 29, 2023

Potential for Improved Relations

Prime Minister ⁢Bibi​ Netanyahu expressed his appreciation for the warm attitude of the Saudi ⁤authorities in⁣ a video message. He ⁢highlighted the potential ⁤for improved ties between Israel and Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the importance‍ of good neighborliness. While Saudi Arabia has not yet normalized ties with Israel, the two countries have developed informal ​connections due to their shared concerns about Iran’s influence in the region.

Speculation has grown about a possible future recognition agreement between Saudi Arabia and Israel. The Wall Street‍ Journal reported that Saudi Arabia is considering resuming⁤ aid to the Palestinian Authority as part of its efforts to lay‌ the groundwork‌ for such an ‍agreement. The resumption of Saudi aid, contingent on the Palestinian Authority’s actions against militant⁢ groups and violence, could play a significant role in securing their ‍support for Saudi Arabia’s outreach to Israel.

Netanyahu has long championed a deep relationship with Saudi Arabia, as it would grant legitimacy⁣ to Israel’s presence in the predominantly Muslim region and potentially pave‌ the way for normalization with other Muslim nations. However, the Biden​ administration’s pressure on Israel to make concessions to the Palestinians has hindered progress in normalizing relations⁣ between Saudi Arabia and Israel.

According to Ben Shapiro, the​ Saudis are willing to normalize relations with Israel,⁢ but the Biden administration’s​ recent deal with Iran has complicated matters. The deal, which released frozen Iranian​ assets in exchange for the transfer of U.S. ‍citizens⁤ from prison to house arrest in Tehran, has only emboldened Iran’s sponsorship of terrorism. Prime Minister Netanyahu has blamed Iran for the recent surge in violence in Israel, further highlighting the ⁤need for improved relations between Israel ​and Saudi ⁢Arabia.