"The Saudis need to join the family of the Abraham Accords and I would definitely be happy to openly visit Saudi Arabia," President Isaac Herzog tells Israel Hayom in a special Independence Day interview.
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The president added that "the accession process depends not only on Israel, but also on the internal processes in Saudi Arabia and on Saudi-US relations."
Touching on his working relationship with Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, Herzog said, "The prime minister and I cooperate excellently. I came into the presidency with extensive experience and a wealth of diplomatic connections that I harness to serve the country in full coordination" with Bennett, he said.
"I think that the advantage of my term is in the underground current that is rising to the surface – the awareness of Israel's integration in the region."
The president expressed concerns over incitement on social media, which is overwhelmingly evident in the current wave of terror, especially concerning the Al-Aqsa Mosque.
"Social media presents unfiltered products and allow for a distorted interpretation of reality," he says. "We, as the startup nation, must produce solutions that will make the truth public knowledge," he said.
Herzog said he has faith in all state institutions' ability to weather any challenge. "We have to thank the IDF, the Shin Bet security agency, the Mossad, the Israel Police and all other security forces, and we have to pray that they keep up the good work and keep evil at bay."
Commenting on the political crisis in Israel, the president vowed "to do everything I can to promote stability – not in the sense of who leads politically but by ensuring the integrity of the political process. Instability has a direct impact on the quality of our lives, the cost of living, and our children's education."
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As for Arab political parties taking a bigger part in the government, he said, "That's a political question but the natural integration of elements from the Arab sector in the decision-making process was foreseeable over time and this type of integrations should be allowed at the top, as well. You can see this process in every nation."
The full interview with President Isaac Herzog will appear in Israel Hayom's Independence Day issue, on Wednesday.
