Israel Sends Independence Day Greetings to Saudi Arabia

The Israeli government has sent Independence Day greetings to Saudi Arabia in a rare public overture toward a Sunni Muslim country. Israel’s Foreign Ministry tweeted in Arabic numerous messages to mark Riyadh’s 89th national day, which falls on September 23. “May this holiday take place again in safety, security and a climate of peace, cooperation and good neighborliness,” one of the missives said. “We ask God, the exalted, that your efforts to develop, prosper and advance will be successful.” Israel and Saudi Arabia do not have formal diplomatic ties although there has been a rapprochement between the countries over a shared interest in curbing Shi’ite Iran’s regional expansionism.