Arab countries normalizing ties with Israel will be exploited: Leader

“Arab and non-Arab governments that moved to normalize relations with the Zionist regime, against the will of their people, and for the will of the United States, must know that these interactions will bring them nothing but exploitation at the hands of the Zionist regime,” Ayatollah Khamenei said while addressing a gathering of Iranian officials in charge of Hajj, the annual Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca.

The Leader said the Zionists are an immediate and obvious plague for the Muslim world, according to Press TV.

“Exposing the Zionists’ plots and conspiracies is one of the essential duties during Hajj,” Ayatollah Khamenei said.

Four Arab countries normalized their relations with Israel in 2020 under agreements pushed by former US president Donald Trump. The Arab countries, namely the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan, and Morocco, sparked condemnations in the Muslim world, especially in Palestine.

Elsewhere in his address, the Leader hailed the resumption of Hajj pilgrimage after a two-year hiatus as a major blessing, saying the annual ritual is a symbol of unity among Muslims.

Efforts should be made so that Islamic unity is not disrupted, he said, warning that sowing sectarian strife has long been a scheme used by the British.

The Leader also underlined the heavy responsibilities of Saudi Arabia as the country that hosts Hajj, saying Riyadh needs to act in accordance with the Muslim world’s interests.

“Ensuring the security of all pilgrims, especially Iranian pilgrims, and preventing the recurrence of past tragedies, as well as reconsidering the rise in costs, are among serious demands of the Islamic Republic,” the Leader added.