Saudi minister says Israeli passport holders cannot visit: CNN

Published
“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.

Opinion

Editorial

Quid pro quo
Updated 26 Jul, 2026

Quid pro quo

Accepting Israel would mean legitimising its violence against the Palestinians, as well as its neighbouring Arab states and Iran.
AI in government
26 Jul, 2026

AI in government

THE Prime Minister’s Office has announced the introduction of an AI-powered digital system and directed ministries...
Cautious optimism
26 Jul, 2026

Cautious optimism

THE latest polio surveillance figures offer some encouraging news regarding the difficult fight against polio. The...
Rampant lawlessness
Updated 25 Jul, 2026

Rampant lawlessness

THE brutal slaying of a judge and his guard in Mastung is the latest in a series of blood-drenched events that have...
Daily fuel pricing
25 Jul, 2026

Daily fuel pricing

THE government’s move to daily petroleum price adjustments should make fuel pricing more transparent and more...
The drug problem
25 Jul, 2026

The drug problem

WHILE Islamabad Police chase low-level peddlers, the capital’s kingpins have quietly taken their operations ...