Netanyahu, Israeli officials make one-day visit to Sultan Qaboos in Oman

Oman is offering ideas to help Israel and the Palestinians to come together but is not acting as mediator, Yusuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah, the sultanate's minister responsible for foreign affairs said.

Bahrain foreign minister Khalid bin Ahmed al Khalifa said his country supports Oman's vision of the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, while his Saudi Arabian counterpart called the peace process "the key" to normalizing its relations with Israel.

Bin Alawi said earlier that Netanyahu's visit to Muscat and his meeting with Sultan Qaboos was preceded by the visit of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, but the two visits came within their bilateral framework.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a surprise visit to the Gulf state of Oman on Friday.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with Omani leader Sultan Qaboos.

Though uncommon, Israeli leaders have previously visited the Gulf state.

In a joint statement issued after Netanyahu's returned home, the Israeli leader and Sultan Qaboos said the two sides "discussed ways to advance the Middle East peace process and discussed a number of issues of mutual interest to achieve peace and stability in the Middle East".

Netanyahu was joined by his wife Sara, the head of Israel's intelligence agency, his national security adviser, his foreign ministry director and other officials. Israel is only officially recognized by two Arab states - Egypt and Jordan.

"A special visit in Oman - we're making history!"

Netanyahu has on several occasions hinted at warmer ties with Gulf states.

Oman's unique position in the region could also see it potentially play a role in mediating tensions between Israel and Iran, especially related to Syria. Despite vocal opposition by Israel and disapproval of several Sunni countries including Saudi Arabia, the deal offered Iran relief from global sanctions in exchange for its scaling back of parts of its nuclear program.

Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia's powerful crown prince, met several Jewish groups and pro-Israel lobbies during a trip to the USA earlier this year and declared that Israel had the right to its own land alongside Palestinians.

In another sign of improving relations, Israeli Sports Minister, Miri Regev flew to Abu Dhabi where Israel's judo team was participating in a major tournament.

Recommended:

• 

  27 October 2018

  Police probe suspicious package addressed to Robert De Niro

  The New York Police Department (NYPD) said on the package was removed, but a heavy police presence was still expected in the area. She said that it was disturbing that someone like this was carried out in her name and refused to comment further on the issue.
  

  27 October 2018

  Trump promises thorough investigation into suspicious packages, United States News & Top Stories

  At the news conference, Cuomo disclosed that a device was sent to his Manhattan office and that it was being handled. Trump told a political rally in Wisconsin on Wednesday his government would conduct "an aggressive investigation".
  

  25 October 2018

  In change of tack, Saudi Arabia says Khashoggi's murder 'premeditated'

  The kingdom insisted for weeks that the writer, who had been a critic of the Saudi government, had walked out of the consulate. One, his hands painted red, wore a mask depicting the face of Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman .
• 

  27 October 2018

  Muncy homer in 18th lifts Dodgers past Boston

  Starving for range in the Dodger Stadium outfield, the Red Sox chose Bradley over Andrew Benintendi in their starting lineup. But moments later, with a full count on Yasmani Grandal, he darted for second base too early and Price caught him.
  

  26 October 2018

  Five $50,000 Powerball tickets in PA

  That second figure was the potential jackpot the Powerball stood at early Thursday after there was no victor Wednesday night. Saturday's jackpot of $3.245 million is second only to the record $3.62 million jackpot won in July 2017.
  

  26 October 2018

  Raiders players reportedly questioning Jon Gruden's 'accountability'

  And having five first-rounders in the next two years is pretty good. You never ever want to trade elite, homegrown talent. And nobody is happy that we traded Amari.
• 

  28 October 2018

  Why the iPhone XR is a better bet than the iPhone XS

  Of course, the standard iPhone 7 and 8 didn't have a second lens either, although their Plus models did, as did the iPhone X . Despite short launch day lines, we think that narrative is pure fiction. iPhone Xr ≠ iPhone 5c.
  

  27 October 2018

  Sri Lanka political crisis deepens, President Maithripala Sirisena suspends Parliament

  Sirisena later issued an official gazette notification that declared the removal of Wickremesinghe and appointment of Rajapaksa. Speaking to jubilant supporters outside his Colombo home late Friday, Rajapakse called on Wickremesinghe to step down.
  

  25 October 2018

  Salah double helps Liverpool to win over Red Star Belgrade

  Shaqiri was the standout player on the day, though, with the Swiss global instrumental in both of Liverpool's opening goals. Cardiff City got off the mark last weekend in a 4-2 win at home to Fulham but face a daunting trip to Liverpool .
• 

  26 October 2018

  All eyes on SC ahead of CBI chief's plea against govt order

  They identified themselves as Dheeraj Kumar, Ajay Kumar, Prashant Kumar and Vineet Kumar Gupta, claiming to be IB officers. This was with a view to check the reason why people had collected at the location.
  

  26 October 2018

  'Oldest Intact Shipwreck' Discovered in Black Sea

  And the Black Sea is fed by freshwater from the surrounding land, which floats on top of the saltier water closer to the bottom. An announcement of the discovery, made by the Black Sea Maritime Archaeology Project (MAP), first appeared in the Guardian .
  

  25 October 2018

  Megyn Kelly’s Show In Jeopardy After She Defends The Use Of Blackface

  Another source said that Kelly's show will be ending , but negotiations about the end date and other details are still underway. But NBC actually hyped their own controversy. " Late Night " host Seth Meyers and writer Amber Ruffin had a skit mocking her .