Israel seeks ‘non-aggression pact’ with Gulf states

By Osama al-Ghassani

JERUSALEM (AA) – Israel is negotiating a “non-aggression pact” with Gulf countries, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz said on Sunday.

“Recently I have advanced, with the support of the Prime Minister, a diplomatic initiative to sign a non-aggression pact with the Arab states in the Gulf,” Katz said on Twitter.

“This historic initiative will put an end to the conflict [between the Gulf states and Israel] and allow for civilian cooperation until peace agreements are signed,” he said.

Katz said he presented the plan to Arab foreign ministers and UN envoy Jason Greenblatt during the UN General Assembly meetings last month.

“I will continue to act to strengthen Israel’s standing in the region and the world,” he said.

There was no comment from any Gulf states on the report.

Last month, Katz said he had met with an unnamed counterpart from an Arab country with which Israel does not have formal relations to discuss ways of dealing with Iran and “boosting civilian cooperation”.

Israel has diplomatic relations with only two Arab states; Egypt and Jordan.