The subject of Israeli-Saudi ties has caught the media headlines in Israel again following an Israel Hayom interview with President Isaac Herzog in which he said he wished to visit the kingdom openly.
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In a special Independence Day piece, the president called for normalization between Jerusalem and Riyadh, saying, "The Saudis need to join the family of the Abraham Accords."
He also said the "accession process depends not only on Israel but also on the internal processes in Saudi Arabia and on Saudi-US relations."
Meanwhile, the Saudi public expressed mixed feelings with regard to potential normalization with Israel and a visit by its president.
A Saudi media pundit told Israel Hayom that "without a doubt, this is a very important this for both Israel and Saudi Arabia, if it happens. There is no talk of this in the official media here yet, but in general, there is interest in developing ties with Israel."
In turn, Saudi influencer Mohammed Saud posted a video on social media, in which he cordially invited Herzog for a visit.
"Dear President Herzog, my home is open to you and for the guests – we are waiting for you," he said.
Nevertheless, one Saudi journalist and political commentator told Israel Hayom that even if Saudi Arabia and Israel were edging toward normalization, such a process would be complex and lengthy.
"I don't think that the people in the kingdom are ready for such a move, they are not there yet. Unlike in the United Arab Emirates, there is public pressure on Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman not to go in this direction," he said.
The full interview with President Isaac Herzog will appear in Israel Hayom's Independence Day issue, on Wednesday.
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