Saudi Arabia bans photos, videos at holy sites to hide secret Israeli contacts

Saudi Arabia’s ministry of foreign affairs has banned indoor and outdoor photographing and video recording in the Masjid al-Haram (the Great Mosque) in Mecca and al-Masjid an-Nabawi (the Mosque of the Prophet) in Medina, according to the Saudi General Directorate of Press and Information.

The statement by the foreign ministry said that the ban is valid for all visitors, including media representatives. The decision is significant in terms of its timing as it comes amid tensions caused by the disclosure of Israel and Saudi’s covert contacts and a visit by famous Israeli blogger Ben Tzion in Medina’s al-Masjid an-Nabawi.

An Israeli cabinet minister said on Sunday that Israel has had covert contacts with Saudi Arabia amid common concerns over Iran, a first disclosure by a senior official from either country of long-rumored secret dealings.

The ban decision is being interpreted as a move to hide secret visits from Israel in this way.

Non-Muslims are prohibited from entering central Medina.

The ban was justified with visitors taking souvenir photographs and them raising their countries’ flags at the holy sites. Ben Tzion, the Israeli blogger whose visit sparked uproar in Arab countries, posed for photographs holding a bag adorned with Hebrew text in al-Masjid an-Nabawi, one of the holiest sites of Islam and posted them on his social media accounts.

This development is the latest in a series of shifts in Saudi Araba following the announcement of a move towards “moderate Islam” in the Gulf Kingdom.

The Gulf region has witnessed large aftershocks after Saudi Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman said he will lead his country back to “moderate Islam.”

There are many reports that Riyadh has recently built strong connections with the U.S. and Israel. On Nov. 19, Israel Minister of National Infrastructure, Energy and Water Resources Yuval Steinitz indicated that his country has had “secret” contacts with Saudi Arabia against Iran, which shocked many given the fact that Saudi Arabia and Israel do not have formal diplomatic relations.

The Arab-Israel strategic partnership might be maintained with the secret meetings, according to reports.

Saudi’s foreign ministry stated that if the ban is violated, the devices used to take photographs and record videos will be confiscated, and legal action will be taken.