Israel and Maldives discussing normalizing relations: Israeli Media

According to several reports from Arab media sources citing Israeli media, discussions are underway with Israel and 10 Islamic countries including the Maldives regarding normalizing relations between the countries.

According to Sawt Beirut, Radio Sawa, and Alhurra, the Israeli Channel 13 reported that the UAE, Bahrain, and Morocco have normalized relations with Israel while Oman is speculated to be the next Muslim country that will normalize relations with Israel.

The report also mentioned that Saudi Arabia is working closely with the United States to facilitate the normalization deals with Israel. The report also cites top Israeli diplomats confirming that Saudi Arabia played an important role in thawing relations with Israel and Morocco. The reports also mention that the world’s most populous Muslim state, Indonesia is keen to normalize relations with Israel.

Reports by Israeli Channel 13 also indicates that Israel is in contact with Maldives, Pakistan, Indonesia, Niger, Mali, Djibouti, Mauritania, Comoros, Brunei, and Bangladesh.

The Maldivian Foreign Ministry has denied that discussions are underway with Israel. The ministry also stated that the Maldives would not be undertaking any discussions with Israel to normalize relations between both states.