Saudi Arabia’s former Minister of Justice, Muhammad Bin Abdel-Kareem Aleissa, has stated that any form of violence against Israel is “unIslamic”.
There is no justification for any violence, even in Israel, the former minister said speaking to Israeli newspaper Maariv on Tuesday.
He said: “Any act of violence or terrorism that tries to hide behind religion has no justification whatsoever, not even in Israel.”
Aleissa was appointed last year as the secretary-general to the Muslim World League, and is reportedly close to the Saudi Crown Prince, Muhammad bin Salman.
Since his appointment, Aleissa has been vocally supportive of the reforms pushed by Bin Salman in his move to “fight extremist Islam”.
When asked by the Maariv correspondent about violence committed against Israel under the banner of “jihad”, Aleissa replied, “Any act of violence or terrorism that tries to hide behind religion is unacceptable. Islam cannot be tied to politics, it is a religion of love, tolerance and respecting the other”.
Aleissa then added that conferences are being organised in the United States with various Jewish communities, and Saudi Arabia is keen on establishing friendly relationships.
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Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has unveiled reforms and promised to bring Saudi Arabia “back to moderate Islam” in a bid to attract foreign investment to the country.
Although some have welcomed the reforms as essential and long overdue, others believe the new laws are aimed at repressing the rulers’ critics.
Last week, Israeli Army Chief Gadi Eizenkot gave an unprecedented interview with Saudi newspaper Elaf.
Eizenkot told the Elaf that there is a “complete consensus” between Israel and Saudi Arabia on the issue of mutual arch-rival Iran, and that Israel is ready to share intelligence with one of the world’s most powerful Muslim-majority states.
