It is no secret relations between Israel and the Saudi Kingdom have improved over the last few years. But for Saudi citizens it is uncommon to pay visits to the Jewish state, as there remains significant hostility toward it within the kingdom's public sphere.
However, one such Saudi – a reporter, cultural researcher and scholar of Jewish text – made a secret trip this week after accepting an invitation by Israel's foreign ministry.
Speaking to Israel's Army Radio on conditions of anonymity, the Saudi journalist expressed opinions seldom heard in the Arab world.
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"There is no escape from establishing normal relations with Israel," he said in an interview aired Tuesday morning following his return to the kingdom.
But those "normalized relations" cannot be like the ones Israel has with Jordan or Egypt, stipulated the anonymous Saudi, a prominent figure in his home country, according to the army broadcast. He dismissed them as mere connections between governments, as opposed to "real peace" agreements.
Criticizing Israel's neighboring Arab states, he argued that their cross-border relations cultivate hate, which at the same time he said should be prosecuted.
On the Palestinian conflict, the interviewee also presented an unconventional opinion.
"Why should the Arab world ignite problems with Israel and the superpowers because of a small minority? This minority had a chance to form a state in '47 but refused because it only dealt with the question, 'why do the Jews have an independent country?'"
Asked about his experience walking around in cities like Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and Haifa, the journalist said, "When people heard I am from Saudi Arabia, they were amazed. Not in a hostile manner but by accepting who I was."
"I love the Jewish people and all the citizens of Israel," he concluded in broken Hebrew.
This article was originally published by i24NEWS.
