Israel: Intel Minister Requests Visit From Saudi Crown Prince

Israeli Intelligence Minister Yisrael Katz wants Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to visit Israel and would like King Salman to officially invite Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Riyadh, The Daily Star reported Dec. 13. Saudi Arabia and Israel have no diplomatic ties and the Crown Prince's visit would be the first of its kind for Saudi Arabia. Israel has been keen on improving relations with "moderate" Arab countries, namely Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries, to foster regional peace. Katz's request comes against a backdrop of global scrutiny on Israel over U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, a move that was criticized by Saudi Arabia.