Saudi Arabia 'plans official ties with Israel,' leaked document reveals
Saudi Arabia 'plans official ties with Israel,' leaked document reveals
A Lebanese newspaper close to Hizballah says it has obtained a 'secret' Saudi foreign ministry document detailing a roadmap for establishing diplomatic ties with Israel.
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The alleged leaked document was drafted by Saudi FM Adel al-Jubeir (R) [AFP]
A Lebanese newspaper close to Hizballah says it has obtained a 'secret' Saudi foreign ministry document detailing a roadmap for establishing diplomatic ties with Israel, amid reports of a US-backed push for peace in the region.
Al-Akhbar's report, which is signed from London, alleges the document was sent by Saudi FM Adel al-Jubeir to the powerful crown prince and de-facto king Mohammed bin Salman, who reports claimed in September had secretly visited Israel. The kingdom later denied the visit had taken place.
The document details concessions to Israel that are certain to prove controversial in Palestine and the Arab world if true, including Saudi encouragement of the Palestinians to cede the right of return of their refugees, in return for a peace deal with Israel and closer cooperation with Tel Aviv against Iran and Hizballah.
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"I have the honour to submit to you a project for establishing relations between the kingdom and the State of Israel based on the strategic partnership agreement with the United States of America, discussed with the US Secretary of State based on the guidance of your noble guidance," opens the letter.
"Saudi Arabia.... has immense influence and diplomatic power that can give credibility to peace efforts," the alleged letter continues.
"The kingdom had pledged in the strategic partnership agreement with US President Donald Trump that only a US-Saudi effort (for peace) is the key to success as... no solution to the Palestinian issue can be legitimate without the support of Saudi Arabia.
"Rapprochement between Saudi Arabia and Israel carries risks... given the spiritual, historical, and religious status of the Palestinian issue. The kingdom cannot risk this move unless it feels the US is honest about its efforts against Iran, which destabilises the region."
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Saudi Arabia seeks to resettle Palestinian refugees where they are present, where the kingdom can play a positive role |  |
The peace plan: Divide Jerusalem and resettle refugees
- Placing Jerusalem under international sovereignty by adopting the 1937 Peel Project and the UN partition plan of 1947 on Jerusalem.
- Saudi Arabia seeks to resettle Palestinian refugees where they are present, where the kingdom can play a positive role... by supporting creative and bold proposals, such as abolishing Arab League recommendations... not to naturalise Palestinians in any Arab country.
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Trump calls on the region's leaders to endorse these principles and negotiations for the final solution begin | |
Third: The kingdom has proposed to President Trump... reaching an agreement on the principles of a final solution, followed by a meeting of the region's foreign ministers convened by the United States... after that, Trump calls on the region's leaders to endorse these principles and negotiations for the final solution begin.
Fourth: Saudi Arabia can play an effective role in rallying support from others for a new age of peace and prosperity between Israel and the Arab and Islamic world.
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