Saudi-Israeli relations to expand only after peace plan, FM says

Upgrading relations with Israel will occur only when a peace agreement is signed and is in accordance with Palestinian conditions,"  Saudi Arabia's new foreign minister, Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud noted on Saturday at the Munich Security Conference in response to a question from Maariv about Israel-Saudi relations. The Jerusalem Post's sister publication also asked whether improvements to the relationship would include a non-aggression pact as well as open and formal relations with the Arab Gulf states.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammed Javad Zarif complained at the conference that any violent action in the Middle East is now being blamed on Iran. He provided the example of how US President Donald Trump's peace plan has lead to an increase in tensions and alleged violence against Israel and in the region, which he notes will be likely blamed on Tehran.

Maariv also asked Zarif if Iran itself would engage in violent actions against Israel, to which he replies, "not in this case, but of course we will be blamed."

Foreign Minister Israel Katz was about to attend the Munich conference and reportedly had planned to meet with Arab ministers, but his trip was canceled. READ MORE