Local Editor
Israel and Saudi Arabia are in talks to forge official economic ties, The Times of London reported Saturday, quoting US and Arab sources.
According to the report in the British daily, Jerusalem and Riyadh are looking at developing relations in steps, possibly starting by allowing Israeli companies to set up shop in the Arab nation, or giving Israeli airline El Al permission to use Saudi airspace in its flights.
Officials close to Saudi Arabia denied the story, saying the report was no more than wishful thinking by the Trump administration.
There have been various media reports of clandestine talks between Israel and Arab powers, who have come to see the Jewish state as a possible ally against what they consider to be the greater threats of Iran and Islamist extremism. Saudi officials have had some open meetings with senior Israelis, and a Saudi general has visited Jerusalem and met with officials and politicians.
Source: News Agencies, Edited by Website Team
