Coziness between the Israeli state and Saudi Arabia is as long-standing as it is undeclared. Judging by recent talks, it is apt, too, that one of the first formalizations of this relationship could be the introduction of flights between the two countries, particularly so that Palestinian-Muslim citizens of Israel can more easily undertake hajj.

The possible utility of Mecca in bringing the Israelis and Saudis closer is illustrative. Each state claims that it represents an ancient religion, indeed ones that are often simplistically depicted as in conflict. But claims that they might one day achieve a hard-won coexistence mask the reality that they have a lot in common — an authoritarian comfort with state violence, a common role as junior US allies, and indeed an overemphasized veneer of religion as deflection and distraction from state crimes.

Religion as an institution can offer dignity in life or strengthen belief in causes that are just: but its use in this instance is squarely aimed at defending the power of states where any trace of spirituality is hard to find. Indeed, making the home of Mecca synonymous with public execution and reckless war, or the purported home of Judaism a sinister military apartheid that makes a mockery of international law and undermines Western democracies, are prominent drivers of racism against Jews and Muslims everywhere.