In the worst dreams, it was impossible to imagine that Israel-Saudi relations would suffer such a delusional political sabotage.
The foreign news editor of Network 13, Gil Tamari, who is not really a young and narrow-minded reporter, decided on his own to infiltrate Mecca in complete violation of local law and the religion of Islam, which prohibits members of other religions from entering the city.
As expected, social networks in the Arab world are turbulent.
The hashtag "Jew in the Forbidden Place" has gained momentum, and surfers from Morocco through Saudi Arabia to Pakistan have been amazed at the magnitude of the impudence.
Many of the opponents of normalization with Israel in the kingdom take advantage of the golden opportunity that has fallen to them to snoop on Regent Muhammad bin Salman, who according to estimates actually supports the establishment of official relations with Israel.
It can be estimated that the prince is now breathing a sigh of relief at the decision not to advance relations with Israel in the current public sphere and to "slow down the pace", as evidenced by the summit attended by US President Joe B'Jeda.
The city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia (archive), Photo: AP
From time to time, Israeli media outlets claim that the ascent of Jews to the Temple Mount could provoke anger in the Muslim world and complicate Israel politically and security-wise.
Well, the Al-Aqsa Mosque complex is only the third place in its holiness to Islam, and is the holiest place for Judaism.
So what is being said now when a Jew enters the Holy of Holies of Islam?
Hence one can only speculate about the danger that has arisen to Jews around the world by radical Islamist elements, who may aspire to avenge the desecration.
This is a security threat that should not be taken lightly, but apparently when it comes to Western values like "freedom of the press", security danger is no longer something to be considered.
Politically, the senior reporter, who had already apologized for his actions, took a risk that he would be arrested and put in a Saudi prison.
Such a diplomatic incident could have jeopardized relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia during a transitional government.
We all remember Naama Issachar, who was caught with drugs in her bag and went to prison in Russia in April 2019.
For many months, the young Israeli woman was detained until she was released in January 2020 after lengthy negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
In the event that the senior reporter, who also carries American citizenship, was arrested - he would immediately become a bargaining chip by Regent Muhammad bin Salman vis-à-vis Israel and the US. What price would we pay to see him return home safe and sound?
Beyond the security threat and the diplomatic incident, it is important to address the ethical and moral issue.
In blatant irresponsibility, Tamari endangered his escort in the face of a lengthy prison sentence (at best, it should be noted).
A Saudi citizen who in his innocence thought he was a Christian at all and wished he would convert to Islam.
Not just a lie involved here, but exploitation of a local resident.
Regarding the claim that this is a journalistic achievement: when Mecca has already been documented in countless media outlets around the world and filmed 24/7, one may also wonder why in News 13 they did not send a Muslim reporter if the mission is so important.
Therefore, it seems that the story is not the special documentation from the "Forbidden City" - but the very provocation in the penetration of a Jewish scripture into the Holy of Holies of Islam.
Make no mistake: When Channel 13 captains see the storm and rage on social media - and there is doubt as to whether they are beating for sin.
On the contrary, they are more likely to open the champagne because they "made noise" and "got on the agenda."
One can only imagine what the next article to which the brave reporter will be sent.
Maybe next week he's smoking a hookah at a Sikh temple in India or stealing the pope's bonnet in the Vatican.
One last point: the intrusion into Mecca is evidence of a phenomenon that is not sufficiently talked about in the Israeli media.
Veteran and senior journalists who despise religion as far as religion is concerned.
Some are also completely detached from the Jewish tradition.
As a result, they find it difficult to understand the importance of holy places to Jews, Muslims or members of other religions.
It was not perceived by them.
For them, the Western Wall is just a wall (so the prime minister apparently has nothing to criticize when he enters the high office), the Temple Mount is another hill, and the Kaaba?
It's a maxi black gem and quite large, that ... full of people walking around, for some reason.
It is not clear.
Were we wrong?
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