After the secret and controversial visit of an Israeli journalist to the city of Mecca, which is holy to Muslims, Saudi Arabia has arrested a compatriot. This brought the journalist, who is also a US citizen, to Mecca and gave him access, said a spokesman for the local police, according to a report by the state agency SPA on Friday. The access "via a path that is clearly intended for Muslims" is a "clear violation of the regulations," said the spokesman.
In Mecca there is, among other things, the Great Mosque with the black cube called the Kaaba, the holiest site for Muslims. Only Muslims are allowed to enter. This is not the case for the Israeli. Since the country opened up to tourists in 2019, there have been isolated reports of non-Muslim travelers also traveling to the city in violation of regulations. As part of an economic restructuring, the government is trying to attract tourists to the country and thus generate new income away from the oil business.
Israeli journalist Gil Tamari was on the sidelines of US President Joe Biden's visit to the country. His video report, in which he deliberately ignored street signs for "non-Muslims", caused outrage. Criticism came from Israel's Minister for Regional Development, among others. Tamari later apologized on Twitter, saying he wanted to show "the importance of Mecca and the beauty of religion." He did not want to offend Muslims or other people with the visit.
It is unclear what criminal consequences Tamari will face in Saudi Arabia. The case, like that of the Saudi, was handed over to the public prosecutor's office, SPA reported. "The necessary steps according to the regulations will be taken against (Tamari)". The man could be denied entry to Saudi Arabia in the future.
"All arrivals in the kingdom must respect and follow the regulations, especially those related to the holy places," Mecca's police spokesman said, according to the SPA. "Any violation will be considered an unacceptable crime."
