By Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) is reportedly facing an assassination risk due to his efforts to normalize ties with Israel, according to a US-based news outlet, Politico, which cited speculations and insider information.
The report reveals that the Saudi crown prince has confided to members of the US Congress about the dangers he faces in pursuing a grand bargain with the US and Israel, which includes normalizing Saudi-Israeli relations. During these discussions, MBS referenced Egyptian leader Anwar Sadat, who was assassinated after signing a peace deal with Israel, questioning what the US did to protect Sadat. He highlighted these threats as part of his rationale for insisting that any such deal must include a genuine path to a Palestinian state, especially in light of the escalating Gaza conflict, which has fueled Arab anger towards Israel.
The details of these conversations were disclosed to Politico’s correspondent by a former US official and two other individuals with knowledge of the talks. Despite the risks, MBS reportedly sees this mega-deal with the US and Israel as essential for Saudi Arabia’s future.
However, the Israeli government has shown reluctance to include a credible path to a Palestinian state in the agreement, despite MBS’s concerns. Earlier this year, during a severe Israeli offensive in Gaza, Saudi Arabia reiterated its stance to the US, asserting that there would be no diplomatic relations with Israel unless an independent Palestinian state, based on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, is recognized, and Israeli “aggression” in Gaza ceases.
This reaffirmation came after White House National Security spokesperson John Kirby indicated that both Saudi Arabia and Israel were open to continuing normalization discussions. In response, the Saudi foreign ministry issued a statement underscoring the kingdom’s unwavering position on the Palestinian issue, in light of the comments attributed to Kirby.
