Israel-Saudi Arabia Flights for Hajj Unavailable for Muslim Pilgrims

Direct flights between Israel and Saudi Arabia for Muslim pilgrims will not be available in time for this year’s Hajj, according to National Security Council chairman Tzachi Hanegbi. The flights were among a package of steps Washington had negotiated, including Saudi Arabia’s agreement to allow Israeli overflights. The goal is for direct flights to take place by next year’s Hajj, according to Hanegbi, with Israel still hoping to launch the service later this year for pilgrims travelling outside the Hajj season. Currently, Muslims travelling to Mecca from Israel via Saudi Arabia must go via a third country, which increases journey costs. There is also currently no direct flight from Israel to Saudi Arabia for non-Muslim travellers. As Saudi Arabia negotiates a full normalisation deal with Israel, officials have demanded US support for a civilian nuclear programme, security and economic assurances, weapons purchases and notable gesture for the Palestinians. US officials estimate the chances of a deal at less than 50%.