'UAE Next, Saudi?'.. Kushner Says "More Middle Eastern Countries Will Normalize Relations with Israel"

First Flight from Israel to UAE Passes Through Saudi Airspace

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] It has been reported that the aircraft carrying Jared Kushner, senior advisor to U.S. President Donald Trump, Robert O'Brien, National Security Council (NSC) advisor, and the Israeli delegation will pass through Saudi Arabian airspace en route to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This marks the first time an Israeli aircraft has passed through Saudi airspace.

Benjamin Netanyahu (left), Prime Minister of Israel, and Jared Kushner, Senior Advisor to the White House, held a joint press conference on the 30th (local time) in Jerusalem regarding the "Israel-United Arab Emirates (UAE) Peace Agreement." Israel abruptly agreed to a peace agreement to normalize relations with the UAE on the 13th of this month, mediated by the United States. [Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 30th (local time), a major foreign media outlet cited sources saying that the first direct flight from Israel to the UAE will pass through Saudi airspace the following day.

In this context, as the U.S. is pushing for additional normalization of relations between Middle Eastern countries and Israel, there is speculation that Saudi Arabia could be the next country to establish diplomatic ties.

This flight is the first case connecting Israel and the UAE. The Israeli delegation plans to use this flight to go to the UAE and engage in full-scale negotiations for diplomatic normalization between the two countries.

Although the Israel-UAE normalization talks have not yet been finalized, the U.S. is expressing expectations that additional Middle Eastern countries will establish diplomatic relations with Israel.

Advisor Kushner, during a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the same day, said, "The stage has been set for peace in the Middle East," and mentioned that additional peace agreements between Middle Eastern countries and Israel will follow. Kushner did not specify which countries those might be.

Prime Minister Netanyahu also expressed hope, saying, "The normalization of relations between Israel and the UAE will pave the way for treaties with other Arab countries."

Kushner also introduced that "President Donald Trump is writing the script for a new Middle East." Advisor O'Brien emphasized, "We are united with Israel to make the Middle East safer and more prosperous," focusing on sending the message that the U.S. is working to improve relations between Israel and the Middle East.

President Trump recently highlighted the Israel-UAE peace agreement in his acceptance speech as a presidential candidate, praising it as a diplomatic achievement ahead of the election.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.