Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid has hinted at the possibility of Israel signing peace agreements with several Muslim-majority countries, including Saudi Arabia. This significant statement came during a recent interview with the Israeli news outlet Kan News, where Lapid discussed potential diplomatic developments in the region.
Lapid emphasized that when Israel signs peace agreements with countries like Saudi Arabia, it symbolizes peace with the broader Muslim world. He asserted that the concept of peace with Saudi Arabia, a regional powerhouse, represents peace with the entire Muslim community. However, he did not provide specific details regarding the potential peace negotiations.
During the interview, Lapid revealed that he had already met with leaders from at least six or seven Muslim-majority countries. While he did not disclose the names of these nations, he mentioned that they are located in Africa and Asia. These countries have expressed a genuine interest in establishing diplomatic relations with Israel. Lapid stated that, despite not having formal diplomatic ties with these important Muslim-majority nations, there has been direct contact.
Israel has been actively pursuing diplomatic normalization with several countries in the Middle East and beyond. In 2020, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Sudan signed historic peace agreements with Israel, marking a significant shift in regional politics. The normalization of relations with these Arab states, known as the Abraham Accords, was brokered by the United States and aimed to promote stability and cooperation in the region.
In response to Yair Lapid’s comments, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi maintained a cautious approach. Qureshi stated that Pakistan would make decisions concerning its national interests and the welfare of the Palestinian people. He emphasized that any potential engagement with Israel would depend on these core principles.
Qureshi clarified that, as of late, there have been no meetings between Pakistani officials and Israeli counterparts. He also indicated that Pakistan was not currently considering any immediate decisions on the matter.
The possible normalization of relations between Israel and more Muslim-majority nations, especially one as influential as Saudi Arabia, would undoubtedly have significant implications for regional geopolitics. It remains to be seen how other countries in the Muslim world will respond to these potential developments and whether peace agreements will materialize in the near future.
