Published 22:45 IST, August 17th 2020

Netanyahu announces Israel preparing for direct flights to UAE via Saudi Arabia

Israel PM Netanyahu said that his government was working on enabling direct flights between Tel Aviv and Dubai, and Abu Dhabi via Saudi Arabia

SportFit
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On August 16, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a state televised address that Israel was preparing to commence direct flights to and from United Arab Emirates as part of its rmalization deal with UAE. At a briefing from Tel Aviv’s Ben-Gurion airport, Netanyahu said that plans to resume flights with Gulf country, however, might be delayed due to ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

In a live-streamed address, Israel PM said that his government was working on enabling direct flights between Tel Aviv and Dubai, and Abu Dhabi over Saudi Arabia. Furr, he estimated that flight will reach Gulf Nation in about 3 hours, comparing journey with Rome. Netanyahu said that he saw “tremendous scope” for bilateral tourism and gigantic scope for investment with UAE. While UAE is first-ever Arab country and third Gulf nation after Egypt and Jordan to recognize relations with Israel, for many years, Gulf region’s air remained shut to its n-rival country.

Read: UAE Minister Calls Israel Deal 'sovereign Decision', Says t Directed To Iran

Read: Israel, UAE Strengn Diplomatic Ties With First Strategic Commercial Agreement

Israel resumed telephone lines with UAE

A delegation from Israel would travel to UAE to draft plans for reopening of commercial air route. development comes merely after two weeks of rmalised relations between two nations, administered by US President Donald Trump. According to a state media report, Israel also resumed telephone lines with UAE as it inaugurated event with first-ever conversation between foreign ministers of two countries on telephone. Additionally, in press conference, Netanyahu said that he expected "additional countries" to rmalise ir bilateral relations with Israel. In view of recent peace agreement, Israel reportedly halted proposed annexation of West Bank’s Jordan Valley, idea fostered by Israeli politicians since its occupation in 1967.