Saudi minister says Israeli passport holders cannot visit: CNN

Published January 28, 2020
“We don't have relations with Israel, Israeli passport holders cannot visit the kingdom," says Prince Faisal bin Farhan. — Reuters
“We don't have relations with Israel, Israeli passport holders cannot visit the kingdom," says Prince Faisal bin Farhan. — Reuters

Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister said Israelis were not welcome to visit the kingdom after Israel decreed that its citizens could visit Saudi Arabia under certain circumstances, CNN reported.

“Our policy is fixed. We do not have relations with the state of Israel and Israeli passport holders cannot visit the kingdom at the current time,” the US broadcaster quoted Prince Faisal bin Farhan as saying on Monday.

A statement from Israel’s interior minister on Sunday said Israelis — if invited and permitted by Saudi authorities — would be allowed to travel there for religious reasons on pilgrimage or for up to nine days for business reasons such as investment or meetings.

Israelis, mostly Muslims going on pilgrimage, have for years been visiting the kingdom, which hosts the two holiest sites in Islam, but usually with special permission or using foreign passports.

“When a peace agreement is reached between the Palestinians and the Israelis, I believe the issue of Israel’s involvement in the region will be on the table,” Prince Faisal said.

US President Donald Trump was expected to disclose details of his Middle East peace plan to Israeli leaders, as Palestinian officials decried it as a bid “to finish off” the Palestinian cause.

Editorial

Budget delay
Updated 04 Jun, 2026

Budget delay

With economic stabilisation yet to translate into tangible improvement in living standards, the country’s leaders are finding it increasingly difficult to ignore demands for relief.
Absentee lawmakers
04 Jun, 2026

Absentee lawmakers

TWENTY per cent. That is the percentage of lawmakers whose commitment to their vocation is reflected in the time ...
Deliberate provocationst
04 Jun, 2026

Deliberate provocationst

THE latest events at Al-Aqsa Mosque reflect the growing impunity with which extremist Israeli settlers operate. ...
Missing confidence
03 Jun, 2026

Missing confidence

For the government, the economy may be more stable now than it was three years ago, but for manufacturers and exporters, it is still difficult to do business.
GB elections
03 Jun, 2026

GB elections

THERE has been some heated politicking in the country’s scenic north in recent days, with Gilgit-Baltistan finally...
The Lebanon factor
03 Jun, 2026

The Lebanon factor

THE fragile calm that followed the recent US-Iran confrontation is being tested. Iran has made it clear that it does...