A report from the US-based news outlet Politico has revealed that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) believes his push for normalized relations with Israel places him at risk of assassination.
According to the report, MBS conveyed to US Congress members that his efforts to forge a comprehensive agreement with the US and Israel, which includes normalizing Saudi-Israeli ties, could endanger his life, similar to the fate of the slain Egyptian leader Anwar Sadat after his peace deal with Israel.
MBS reportedly questioned the protection measures in place, asking, “What did the US do to protect him?” referring to Sadat. He expressed concerns about personal threats and emphasized that any agreement should effectively address the creation of a Palestinian state, particularly as tensions escalate with the ongoing Gaza war fueling Arab resentment towards Israel.
A former US official and two other sources familiar with the matter disclosed the details of these discussions to Politico. Despite the potential dangers, MBS appears committed to pursuing this significant deal, which is vital for Saudi Arabia’s future. However, Politico notes resistance from the Israeli government to include a viable pathway to a Palestinian state in the agreement.
Amid a severe Israeli assault on Gaza earlier this year, Saudi Arabia reiterated to the US that it would not establish diplomatic relations with Israel without the recognition of an independent Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem and a cessation of Israeli “aggression” in Gaza, as stated by the Saudi foreign ministry.
Furthermore, following comments by White House National Security spokesperson John Kirby about positive developments in Saudi-Israel normalization talks, the Saudi kingdom reaffirmed its unwavering stance on the Palestinian issue.
