Speaking on Israeli Army Radio, Prime Minister Likud Party member, Education Minister Yov Gelant called the meeting an “incredible achievement” and congratulated Netanyahu.
“Let us say that the existence of the meeting, it was made public, even if only semi-official at the moment, [is] More important than any aspect and matter, “Gallant said when asked about the meeting by radio interviewer.
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo was also in the city of Nyom as part of his swing passing through the region, two days after his stay in Israel.
The Israeli and Saudi governments have not officially commented on the meeting, which was first recorded by Walla’s Barak Ravid! News and Axis. Netanyahu joined Mossad chief Yossi Cohen, who has led efforts to normalize relations between Israel and the Sunni Gulf states.
Private business jets frequently used by Israeli officials were flown from Israel to Saudi Arabia and the city of Nyom on Sunday, according to flight tracking websites ADS-B Exchange, FlightAware and others. The flight returned to Israel a few hours later.
The meeting is the first between the Israeli prime minister and the Saudi Crown Prince, and comes just months after the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain normalized relations with Israel. Given the small state’s dependence and proximity to Saudi Arabia, Bahri almost certainly accepted Saudi approval for the move, analysts said.
Shortly before the flight left Israel, Netanyahu predicted a steady shift in relations with more Gulf states.
Speaking at a memorial service for Israel’s first leader, David Ben-Gurion, Netanyahu said, “In just six weeks after the signing of the peace agreement with Egypt and Jordan, we have brought three new peace agreements and normalization agreements: with the UAE, with Bahrain, and with Sudan.” If we continue this path of strengthening Israel’s power and strengthening relations with the Middle Arab world moving towards stability and progress – we will see more Arab states widening the circle of peace. “
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