Latest changes in Saudi Arabia chart a course for Israeli-Arab ties; A different take on Kotel controversy
Latest developments in Saudi Arabia chart a course for Israeli ties with Arab world
By Sean Savage/JNS.org
Building off the last few years of reports regarding clandestine relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia, motivated by their shared concerns over the Iranian threat, two recent developments highlight a potential route for Israel to firm up support within the Arab world. Egypt ratified a treaty to hand over two strategic islands in the Red Sea to Saudi Arabia, while Saudi Arabia's King Salman promoted his son Mohammed bin Salman to crown prince, making him next in line to be king. "If Egypt and Saudi Arabia can get together, whether on confronting Iran or Qatar, or even the exchanges of these two islands, then that is beneficial for Israel," said Joshua Teitelbaum, a professor of Middle Eastern Studies at Bar-Ilan University.
A different take on the Western Wall controversy
By Stephen Flatow/JNS.org
The headlines of the Jewish press this week were filled with stories about angry American Jews arriving in Israel and denouncing the Israeli government's decision regarding egalitarian prayer at the Western Wall. This week's other headlines, however, reported some threats to Israel that are genuinely existential, not merely a rhetorical flourish. While American Jews speak about "fighting" over the Western Wall issue, Israeli Jews who could be hit by Syrian mortars or Hamas rockets are the ones doing the real fighting, writes JNS.org columnist Stephen M. Flatow.
New airport expected to be a game-changer for southern Israel's tourism scene
By Judy Lash Balint/JNS.org
Driving into Timna Park, a nature reserve bounded by majestic, red-tinted craggy hills, it's easy to feel the awe and serenity that's the hallmark of any desert experience. Drive 20 minutes south, and you'll arrive at the brash Red Sea resort town of Eilat, where water sports and shopping are the order of the day. Timna is less than 10 minutes by car from the new Ilan and Assaf Ramon Airport that's scheduled to open next spring near Eilat, in what is expected to be a game-changer for southern Israel's tourism scene.
Israel says Iran used Star of David as missile test target last year
Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations Danny Danon Wednesday revealed a photo showing that Iran used a Star of David as a target for a ballistic missile test last year.