Israel–Oman relations

Israel–Oman relations are the bilateral relations between the State of Israel and the Sultanate of Oman. In line with the Arab League position in relation to Israel, Oman does not officially recognize the state of Israel and took part in the boycott of Israel during much of the 20th century. Nevertheless, reportedly Israel and Oman cooperate as part of an anti-Iranian coalition[1] since about 2017.

Israel-Oman relations

Israel
Oman

In 1994, the countries established unofficial trade relations, which were discontinued in 2000. In 2018, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu led a delegation to Oman and met with Sultan Qaboos and other senior Omani officials.[2] In February 2019, Omani foreign minister, Yusuf bin Alawi, said that Oman will not normalize its relations with Israel until a sovereign Palestinian state has been established.[3] In 2020, after Sultan Qaboos died, the Israeli PM stated that the Sultan was a great man.[4]

History

Background

Unlike most other nations in the region, Oman has not participated in any of the armed conflicts fought between the Arab states and Israel.

Establishment of relations (1994–2000)

In 1994, then-Prime Minister of Israel Yitzhak Rabin visited Oman, where he was greeted by Sultan of Oman Qaboos bin Said al Said in Muscat. Among other things, the two sides discussed issues such as sharing water and how to improve water supplies. In 1995, a few days after Rabin was assassinated, then-acting prime minister Shimon Peres hosted Omani foreign minister Yusuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah in Jerusalem.[5]

In January 1996, Israel and Oman signed an agreement on the reciprocal opening of trade representative offices.[5]

Frozen relations (2000–18)

Official relations were frozen with the outbreak of the Second Intifada in October 2000.[6] Still, in 2008, Oman's Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah met with Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni during their visit to Qatar.[5]

Visit by Israeli prime minister (2018)

In October 2018, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu met Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said in Muscat; the visit was revealed following Netanyahu's return to Israel.[7] Right after the visit, Omani Foreign Minister Yusuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah described Israel as an "accepted Middle East state." He said, "The world is also aware of this fact. Maybe it is time for Israel to be treated the same [as others states] and also bear the same obligations."[8] In April 2019, bin Abdullah said that "Arabs must take initiatives to make Israel overcome 'fears for its future' in the region."[9]

References
  1. The solidifying Arab-Israeli Alliance "Relations between Israel, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia continue in the shadows, with reports of senior Israeli officials regularly visiting the Gulf States. Israeli cabinet ministers have openly visited the UAE and Oman, with more set to take place in the future."
  2. "Netanyahu makes historic visit to Oman". The Jerusalem Post | JPost.com.
  3. staff, T. O. I. "No 'normalization' with Israel before Palestinian statehood, Omani FM says". www.timesofisrael.com.
  4. "Netanyahu hails Oman's 'incredible leader' Qaboos, welcomes successor". www.timesofisrael.com.
  5. Podeh, Eli (November 8, 2018). "Israel's Renewed Affair with Oman". The Jerusalem Post. Retrieved April 6, 2019.
  6. Foreign Ministry Spokesman (October 12, 2000). "Israel-Oman Relations" (Press release). Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Israel). Retrieved April 6, 2019.
  7. Lev, Tzvi (October 26, 2018). "Watch: Netanyahu Makes Secret Trip Overseas". Arutz Sheva. Retrieved April 6, 2019.
  8. Paul, Katie (October 27, 2018). "Oman says time to accept Israel in region, offers help for peace". Reuters. Retrieved April 6, 2019.
  9. "Oman calls on Arabs to ease Israel's 'fears for its future'". i24 News. Agence France-Presse. April 6, 2019. Retrieved April 6, 2019.
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