According to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel is set to embark on a significant rail expansion project, estimated to cost 100 billion shekels (approximately $27 billion). The ambitious project aims to connect the country's outlying regions to the bustling metropolitan area of Tel Aviv. Furthermore, the rail system holds the potential for future overland connections to Saudi Arabia, which could open up new possibilities for regional relations.

The announcement comes in the wake of a recent visit by top US officials to Saudi Arabia, where efforts were made to advance the prospects of formal relations between the Muslim powerhouse and Israel. Despite the high-level discussions and US President Joe Biden's prediction of a potential rapprochement between these Middle East powers, a senior Israeli lawmaker expressed caution, stating that any forging of relations with Saudi Arabia does not appear to be imminent.

The ambitious rail expansion project represents a significant investment in Israel's transportation infrastructure. By connecting remote areas to the thriving hub of Tel Aviv, the initiative aims to enhance accessibility and economic development across the country. Moreover, the prospect of future overland links to Saudi Arabia raises intriguing possibilities for regional cooperation and connectivity.

As regional dynamics continue to evolve, the prospect of closer relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia remains a subject of interest and speculation. While the recent diplomatic engagements signal a willingness to explore opportunities for cooperation, the path toward formalizing relations between the two nations may require further dialogue and diplomatic maneuvering.

“I think it's too early to talk about a deal being in the works,” Yuli Edelstein, head of the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee and a senior member of Netanyahu’s Likud party, told Israel’s Army Radio.

During the weekly Israeli cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seemingly avoided addressing the ongoing constitutional crisis that has persisted for seven months. This prolonged crisis has not only had adverse effects on the nation's economy but has also raised concerns among Western allies about the state of Israel's democratic well-being.

In his speech, Netanyahu focused on promoting infrastructure initiatives, notably highlighting the "One Israel Project." The primary goal of this project is to significantly reduce travel time by train to the country's key business and government centers, ensuring that the commute takes two hours or less. By prioritizing these infrastructure developments, the government aims to enhance connectivity and streamline transportation across the nation.

“I would like to add that in the future we will also be able to transport cargo by rail from Eilat to our Mediterranean and will also be able to link Israel by train to Saudi Arabia and the Arabian Peninsula,” he said in televised remarks. “On this, too, we are working.”

Image source: Al-Arabiya News