Deputy Foreign Minister Ayalon
Deputy Foreign Minister AyalonIsrael news photo: Flash 90

Asharq Alawsat, one of the largest Arabic-language newspapers and backed by Saudis, has taken an unprecedented move and published an “Open Letter to the Arab World” by Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon.

Ayalon called on the Arab world to join Israel in a war against Middle East extremism, citing the growing nuclear threat from Iran and global environmental dangers.

"The Jewish people are here because of our historical, legal, moral and national rights," Ayalon declared. "Israel has gone very far and is prepared to do its part, but we must be met by a willing partner. Without this, the region is doomed to more conflict and will negate the unity of purpose in the Middle East that is necessary to face the mounting challenges from without and within." 

Saudi Arabia has stood by its 2002 peace initiative, which has become the policy of most of the Arab world, that Israel surrender all land restored to the country in the Six-Day War in 1967 in exchange for recognition by Muslim countries, most of whom have no diplomatic relations with the Jewish State.

Israel has accepted most of the plan, but deep differences continue concerning the status of Jerusalem and the Saudi demand that Israel allow several million foreign Arabs to enter, based on the claim of paternal ancestry.

“Only two nations, Jordan and Egypt…made peace with the Jewish State,” Ayalon told readers.