Netanyahu tasks Mossad head to forge ties with S.Arabia

By Mustafa Deveci</p> <p>JERUSALEM (AA) – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday appointed Mossad head Yossi Cohen to work to establish diplomatic ties between Israel and Saudi Arabia, local media reported. </p> <p>According to Israeli TV Hadashot, the Israeli government began a political process to normalize bilateral ties between Tel Aviv and Riyadh in the runup to the general elections set for November 2019.</p> <p>Local media reported that the U.S. was also involved into the process. </p> <p>A high-level Israeli government official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that in light of the rising tension with Iran, Tel Aviv made contacts with a number of Arab states, including Saudi Arabia.</p> <p>Netanyahu’s office has yet to release an official statement on the issue. </p> <p>In late October, Netanyahu paid a surprise visit to Oman at the invitation of the ruler of the Gulf state, according to Netanyahu’s office.</p> <p>Israeli Communication Minister Ayoub Kara also visited the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to attend a conference held in Dubai. </p> <p>A similar visit was paid by Israeli Culture Minister Miri Regev to Abu Dhabi, where Israel attended the Judo Grand Competition in the capital.</p> <p>Israel’s Economy Minister Eli Cohen has also been invited to attend an international high-tech conference in Bahrain, according to Israeli media. </p> <p>Israel currently does not have diplomatic relations with Bahrain, Oman, or the UAE.