Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid on Friday hailed Saudi Arabia’s decision to open the kingdom’s airspace to Israeli commercial flights, describing the move as the culmination of an “intense and covert” process.
“I thank the Saudi leadership for the opening of Saudi airspace. This is only the first step. We will continue working with necessary caution, for the sake of Israel’s economy, security and the good of our citizens,” Lapid said in a statement released by his office. He also thanked U.S. President Joe Biden for Washington’s “commitment to Israel’s military and diplomatic strength.”
Earlier Friday, Riyadh announced the opening of its airspace to “all carriers,” paving the way for Israeli airlines to overfly the kingdom, according to a statement by the country’s General Authority of Civil Aviation.
