Rail from Israel to Gulf ‘makes sense,’ says minister

Transportation Minister Israel Katz pitches his plan to link the Mediterranean to the Gulf via the Jewish state, as his country pushes unprecedented public rapprochement with the Arab region.

“It makes sense and is beyond political and ideological disagreements,” says Katz, whose country has diplomatic ties with only two Arab states — Jordan and Egypt.

The “Tracks of Peace” rail link, which Katz says is supported by the administration of US President Donald Trump, is “based on two central ideas — Israel as a land bridge and Jordan as a regional transportation hub.”

Katz, who was speaking at an international transport conference in Oman, says the proposed railway was favorable to Saudi Arabia and neighboring Gulf states — as well as the Palestinian economy.

“It will create an additional trade route in the region, which is shorter, faster and cheaper, and will contribute to the economies of Jordan, the Palestinians — who will also be connected to the initiative — Israel, Saudi Arabia and the Gulf states, and in the future Iraq as well,” Katz says.

— AFP