Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) is reportedly facing a significant threat to his life due to his ambitious efforts to normalise relations with Israel.
According to a recent report by Politico, MBS has alerted US Congress members about these threats while pursuing a grand bargain that involves both the US and Israel.
This high-stakes deal aims to establish formal diplomatic ties between Saudi Arabia and Israel.
Politico’s report reveals that MBS, concerned about the safety of his position, has highlighted the importance of incorporating a definitive plan for a Palestinian state within any agreement.
He has drawn parallels to former Egyptian President Anwar Sadat, who was assassinated in 1981 following his peace treaty with Israel.
A source close to the matter informed Politico that MBS has underscored the urgency of resolving the Palestinian issue, stating,
“The issue at hand is of immense importance to Saudis and to people across the Middle East. As the custodian of Islam’s holy sites, my position will remain precarious unless I tackle what is the most urgent matter of justice in our region.”
The timing of these assassination threats remains uncertain, especially since recent months have seen a decline in the likelihood of an Israel-Saudi normalization deal.
Despite these risks, MBS remains resolute in his pursuit of the agreement, viewing it as crucial for Saudi Arabia’s future.
However, the Israeli government has reportedly been resistant to including a viable path to a Palestinian state.
Earlier this year, amidst an Israeli offensive in Gaza, Saudi Arabia reiterated its position to the US, stating that it would only establish diplomatic relations with Israel if an independent Palestinian state is recognised, with borders based on the 1967 lines and East Jerusalem as its capital. This stance was reinforced by a Saudi foreign ministry statement.
White House National Security spokesperson John Kirby had previously indicated that the Biden administration had received positive signals about the potential continuation of normalization talks between Saudi Arabia and Israel.
However, the kingdom’s reaffirmed stance on the Palestinian issue has since tempered these discussions.
