Israel says ‘in contact’ with 3 states having no ties with Tel Aviv

By Abdelraouf Arna'out
JERUSALEM (AA) – Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid said Wednesday he is in contact with counterparts from three countries that do not have official relations with Israel.

Lapid, however, did not name these countries.

Lapid, however, told reporters that Saudi Arabia and Indonesia are on Israel’s list of targeted countries to establish ties with Tel Aviv.

Asked if an Israeli official will escort US President Joe Biden during his planned visit to Saudi Arabia next month, Lapid didn't deny the question but kept it open by saying in a joke manner that Biden's plane is "a big aircraft," according to the Israel Hayom news website.

The Israeli foreign minister added that Israel continues to seek adding more Arab countries to the four countries that established ties with Israel.

There was no comment from Saudi or Indonesian authorities on Lapid's remarks.

The United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan and Morocco signed US-sponsored agreements to normalize relations with Israel in 2020.

Writing by Ahmed Asmar