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Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu said Friday that Saudi Arabia should get a pass for the murder of American journalist Jamal Khashoggi because the kingdom is an ally of the Jewish state against Iran.
"What happened at the Istanbul consulate was appalling and must be duly taken into account. But at the same time, it is very important for the stability of the region and the world that Saudi Arabia remains stable, "Netanyahu told Bulgaria, the Times of Israel reported.
Khashoggi was reportedly strangled and then dismembered on 2 October by a Saudi assassination squad under the command of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who criticized the Saudi regime.
Netanyahu said his killers should be punished in one way or another, but that his overriding concern was the kingdom's role in fighting against Iran's ambitions in the Middle East, including the destruction of Israel.
"I think we need to find a way to achieve both of these goals. I think the biggest problem is Iran and we have to make sure that this country does not continue the evil activities it has been doing in recent weeks in Europe, "he said.
"We have contributed to the discovery of two terrorist attacks – one in Paris and the other in Copenhagen, organized by the Iranian secret service. The blockage of Iran is one of the priorities of our agenda for security, not only for Israel, but also for Europe and the world, "he added, citing two recent plots thwarted by the goals. from Iran.
Netanyahu's comments come a day after reports that he urged the White House to calm the Crown Prince – who is close to first son-in-law Jared Kushner – despite growing indignation following Khashoggi's murder at the consulate from Saudi Arabia to Istanbul in Turkey.
Netanyahu told the Trump team that bin Salman was a key alliance partner against Iran's expansion into the region.
The Israeli prime minister also said Friday that his invitation to a meeting with four Balkan leaders was a sign of improvement in Israel's international position.
Netanyahu was in Bulgaria for the Craiova Forum, which included Bulgarian, Romanian, Serbian and Greek leaders.
