US supports Israel-Middle East rail link project – Israel News


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US supports Israel-Middle East rail link project

Minister of Transport and Intelligence Israel Katz in Oman.
(photo credit: courtesy)

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The Trump administration backed an Israeli plan to link Haifa to Jordan, Saudi Arabia and the Gulf states, suggesting that it was in line with the US peace plan aimed at resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

US Special Envoy Jason Greenblatt tweeted his support for the railway line as Israel's Minister of Transport and Intelligence, Israel Katz, made a historic visit to Oman to present details at an event International Transport Council, the IRU World Congress.

"Today, the Minister of Transport and Intelligence, Israel_Katz, is in Oman [international] transport event, "tweeted Greenblatt. "He will present a plan for the construction of a railway [between] Israel, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and the Gulf. Let's continue the dialogue. These efforts support our efforts. "

Katz is expected to speak at the congress and participate in its roundtables, a first for an Israeli minister in Oman – a Muslim country in the Gulf that has no connection with Israel. The minister's office tweeted that it was "the first time that the United States publicly supported this plan," called "Pathways for Regional Peace." This plan was developed by both Katz and the Prime Minister.

A Middle East railway line would be a "dramatic development that could affect many countries in the region," said Katz's office. He spent two years gaining supporters of the plan, including some Arab leaders in the region.

"The invitation of the Government of Oman and the visit are part of a comprehensive initiative to promote the initiative and strengthen the links with the pragmatic states of the region, "said the minister's office. When leaving for Oman on Sunday, Mr Katz added: "This is a historic visit that will strengthen relations". He said the railway line that will connect Israel to the Gulf countries will bypass Iran.
Last month, Omani Foreign Minister Yusuf bin Alawi publicly called for the normalization of relations with Israel. In October, Netanyahu went to Oman and met with his leader, Sultan Sayyid Qaboos bin Said Al Said.

Greenblatt was in Israel to talk with Israeli officials following the unveiling of the US peace plan this winter. On Sunday evening, he met with Netanyahu, and then tweeted that they had "discussed important topics, including the situation in Gaza and regional developments."

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Palestinians have always refused to meet with US officials. No public meetings have been scheduled with the Palestinian Authority.
Greenblatt, however, tweeted later: "I enjoyed yesterday a frank discussion on the road to peace with Palestinian friends. We are committed to hearing from all partners who share this goal. "

By the way, Netanyahu met Monday with the US Special Representative for Engagement in Syria, James Jeffrey. "The two men discussed the developments in Syria and efforts against the Iranian aggression," said the Prime Minister's Office.

The Petra news agency said on Sunday that Jordan and Israel would have discussions on Amman's decision to cancel a 25-year land deal allowing Israel to use two of its border areas. Israel has called for talks on border territories, said Jordanian Minister of Media Affairs Jumana Ghunaimat.

According to the terms of the 1994 peace treaty between Israel and Jordan, Israel used the Naharayim (Baqura) region near Lake Kinneret (Sea of ​​Galilee) and part of Tzofar (al Ghamar) in Arava. Last month, Jordan announced its intention to use a clause in the agreement allowing it to cancel the deal.

Jordan's Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi told Reuters last month that the deal, signed in October 1994, was designed as a temporary agreement from the beginning.

"That's why there was a time limit," Safadi told Reuters. "We acted in accordance with the provisions of the peace treaty. This is an indication of our commitment to the peace treaty. There has never been talk of our firm commitment to the treaty. "

Ghunaimat said that Jordan was determined to consult with Israel on this matter, but in a manner that preserved the country 's national interests. No dates have been set for the discussions.

On Thursday, President Reuven Rivlin is expected to receive the diplomatic credentials of the new Jordanian Ambassador Ghassan Majali and Egyptian Ambassador Khaled Azmi.

Reuters contributed to this report.

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