Friday Jul 18, 2025
NEWSLETTER
www.israelhayom.com
  • Home
  • News
    • Israel
    • Israel at War
    • Middle East
    • United States
  • Opinions
  • Jewish World
    • Archaeology
    • Antisemitism
  • Lifestyle
    • Food
    • Travel
    • Fashion
    • Culture
  • Magazine
    • Feature
    • Analysis
    • Explainer
  • In Memoriam
www.israelhayom.com
  • Home
  • News
    • Israel
    • Israel at War
    • Middle East
    • United States
  • Opinions
  • Jewish World
    • Archaeology
    • Antisemitism
  • Lifestyle
    • Food
    • Travel
    • Fashion
    • Culture
  • Magazine
    • Feature
    • Analysis
    • Explainer
  • In Memoriam
www.israelhayom.com
Home News

Saudi reporter secretly visits Israel, says 'loves Jewish people'

Prominent scholar slams Palestinians, says Arab countries should work toward 'real peace' with Jerusalem.

by  i24NEWS and Israel Hayom Staff
Published on  11-28-2019 13:32
Last modified: 11-28-2019 13:46
Saudi reporter secretly visits Israel, says 'loves Jewish people'AP/Amr Nabil

A Saudi couple chats as they visit the Red Sea beach, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia | Illustration: AP/Amr Nabil

Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

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.

Follow Israel Hayom on Facebook and Twitter

"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.

Tags: Arab worldpro-IsraelSaudi Arabia

Related Posts

Trump approves Iran attack plans, says 'next week going to be big'Getty Images/ traffic_analyzer; REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque;

Report: Israel, US pondering 'additional strikes' on Iran as intel shows partial success

by Erez Linn

According to officials speaking with NBC News, while the Fordo site is likely destroyed, two other facilities less damaged than...

Unofficial talks with Hamas continue despite rejection of Witkoff frameworkAlex Kolomoisky, AFP

Report: Progress in negotiations after Israel presents new withdrawal plan

by Shachar Kleiman

According to the Egyptian channel Al-Ghad, which cited its own sources, the progress also stems from pressure exerted by US...

Chilean mayor defies most anti-Israel South American nation to visit IsraelCourtesy

Chilean mayor defies most anti-Israel South American nation to visit Israel

by Roi Bet Levi

A vandalized menorah sparked an unlikely friendship between a Chilean mayor Rodrigo Weinryb and the Jewish state – and it's...

Menu

Analysis 

Archaeology

Blogpost

Business & Finance

Culture

Exclusive

Explainer

Environment

 

Features

Health

In Brief

Jewish World

Judea and Samaria

Lifestyle

Cyber & Internet

Sports

 

Diplomacy 

Iran & The Gulf

Gaza Strip

Politics

Shopping

Terms of use

Privacy Policy

Submissions

Contact Us

About Us

The first issue of Israel Hayom appeared on July 30, 2007. Israel Hayom was founded on the belief that the Israeli public deserves better, more balanced and more accurate journalism. Journalism that speaks, not shouts. Journalism of a different kind. And free of charge.

All rights reserved to Israel Hayom

Hosted by sPD.co.il

  • Home
  • News
    • Israel at War
    • Israel
    • United States
    • Middle East
    • Sports
  • Opinions
  • Jewish World
    • Archaeology
    • Antisemitism
  • Lifestyle
    • Food
    • Travel
    • Fashion
    • Culture
  • Magazine
    • Feature
    • Analysis
    • Explainer
    • Environment & Wildlife
    • Health & Wellness
  • In Memoriam
  • Subscribe to Newsletter
  • Submit your opinion
  • Terms and conditions

All rights reserved to Israel Hayom

Hosted by sPD.co.il

Newsletter

[contact-form-7 id=”508379″ html_id=”isrh_form_Newsletter_en” title=”newsletter_subscribe”]

  • Home
  • News
    • Israel at War
    • Israel
    • United States
    • Middle East
    • Sports
  • Opinions
  • Jewish World
    • Archaeology
    • Antisemitism
  • Lifestyle
    • Food
    • Travel
    • Fashion
    • Culture
  • Magazine
    • Feature
    • Analysis
    • Explainer
    • Environment & Wildlife
    • Health & Wellness
  • In Memoriam
  • Subscribe to Newsletter
  • Submit your opinion
  • Terms and conditions

All rights reserved to Israel Hayom

Hosted by sPD.co.il