Israel hopeful for breakthrough with Saudi Arabia during US official's visit

Israel is hoping for a breakthrough in efforts to normalize ties with Saudi Arabia during US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan’s visit there.

Sullivan is expected to travel to Saudi Arabia on May 6, where he is planning to meet with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Reuters reports.

Announcing his trip on May 4, Sullivan said Washington was working hard to normalise relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia - a major goal set by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

"We are very, very hopeful that there will be a breakthrough during his visit there," Head of Israel's National Security Council Tzachi Hanegb Hanegbi said.

“There are those who say that there have been more than phone calls between Saudi and Israeli leaders. But what is important is that the United States lead a move adding Saudi Arabia to the Abraham Accords - normalization and peace with Israel. If that happens it will be a historic turning point," he added.