World

Trump's flight to Tel Aviv first between Saudi Arabia and Israel

Israel Airport Authority spokesperson unaware of any direct flights ever having landed in Israel from the kingdom

News Desk May 22, 2017

US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump wave as they board Air Force One in Riyadh as they head to Israel on May 22, 2017. PHOTO: AFP

US President Donald Trump has made history even before his trip to Israel.

His flight from Riyadh to Tel Aviv on Monday is believed to be the first direct flight between Saudi Arabia and Israel, ABC News reported.

Trump landed at Ben-Gurion International Airport for a two-day visit to Israel and the Palestinian territories as part of his first trip abroad since taking office.

An Israel Airport Authority spokesperson said he was not aware of any direct flights ever having landed in Israel from the kingdom.

While neither country is in a position to dictate to Trump where to fly, his arrival nonetheless reflects the warming relationship between them.

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The two countries have reportedly developed covert ties based on their shared concerns over Iran's growing regional influence.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu frequently claims about his behind-the-scenes cooperation with moderate Sunni countries that are believed to include Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states.

The only direct flights from Israel to Arab states are to Egypt and Jordan, both of which signed peace treaties with Israel.

During his visit, Trump is expected to make a push to relaunch long-stalled peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians. He is slated to meet separately with Netanyahu in Jerusalem and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas in Bethlehem.

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As part of his approach, the president has expressed interest in forging a regional perspective involving Israel and the broader Arab world to help resolve the decades-long conflict. His visit to Saudi Arabia, and speech to leaders from over 50 majority-Muslim countries on Sunday, is reflective of that.

In Saudi Arabia, the president called on the Muslim world to combat radicalisation. He said that if Christians, Muslims and Jews join forces, "peace in this world is possible, including peace between Israel and the Palestinians".