Israel has peace treaties with two Arab countries – Egypt and Jordan – but concerns over Iran's influence in the region have led to thawing ties with some Gulf states as well.Ties between Israel and Saudi Arabia have been warming up recently, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu thanking a Saudi political leader for visiting the Auschwitz concentration camp on the day of the World Holocaust Forum.Netanyahu has been looking to capitalize on common interests like Iran, while also marketing Israeli technologies to try and further normalize relations.Israelis – mostly Muslims going on pilgrimage – have been traveling to Saudi Arabia for years, but usually with special permission or using foreign passports.
Saudi authorities did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The kingdom launched a new tourism visa last year for visitors from 49 countries, as part of its bid to diversify the economy and open up society. Israel is not among the eligible countries.However, in 2018, Saudi Arabia opened its airspace for a commercial flight to Israel with the start of a new Air India route between New Delhi and Tel Aviv, even though Israel's national carrier El Al may not use Saudi airspace for eastward flights.