Arab states must work to reassure Israel

Saudi Foreign Minister Yousuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah said on Saturday that Arab countries must work to resolve Israel's concerns about its existence.

He said at the World Economic Forum on the Middle East and North Africa in Jordan that although Israel receives political, economic and military support from the international community, it still does not feel secure about its future as a non-Arab country in the region.

"I do not feel confident about his continued presence in the region," he told a committee of the Dead Sea Forum in Jordan. "I think the Arabs have the ability to discuss this issue and try to end those concerns."

Yusuf's statement comes amid a rapprochement between Oman and Israel after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the Gulf state in October to meet with Sultan Qaboos bin Said.

Asked if his statements signify Israel's right to exist, he said no, but said, "We do not want them to feel threatening about their future."

Yousuf Ben Ali's statement was received with opposition from his Jordanian counterpart, Ayman Safadi, who said that the problem was Israel's refusal to withdraw from areas it had occupied since 1967 and allow the establishment of a Palestinian state.

"The Arab world has recognized Israel's right to exist, and the Palestinians themselves have recognized Israel's right to exist," Safadi said. "The problem is that there is occupation," he said, wondering if this "occupation" would end.