A recent report by US Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman faces life threat due to his efforts to normalize ties with Israel.
According to the report Mohammed bin Salman informed members of the US Congress that his life is in jeopardy as he pursues a grand bargain with the US and Israel, which includes the normalization of Saudi-Israeli relations.
Referencing the assassination of Egyptian leader Anwar Sadat after his peace deal with Israel, Mohammed bin Salman reportedly questioned, “What did the US do to protect him?” He also shared his concerns about the threats he faces, emphasizing that any agreement should include a genuine path to a Palestinian state, especially as the ongoing Gaza war has heightened Arab anger against Israel.
The discussions with Mohammed bin Salman were disclosed to Politico by a former US official familiar with the talks and two other individuals with knowledge of the situation. Despite the dangers, the crown prince is committed to pursuing the deal with the US and Israel, seeing it as vital for Saudi Arabia’s future, according to the report.
However, the report highlights that the Israeli government has been reluctant to include a credible path to a Palestinian state in the agreement.
Earlier this year, during an intense Israeli offensive in Gaza, Saudi Arabia reiterated to the US that it would not establish diplomatic relations with Israel unless an independent Palestinian state is recognized based on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem, and Israeli “aggression” in Gaza ceases, as stated by the Saudi foreign ministry.
Prior to this, White House National Security spokesperson John Kirby mentioned that the Joe Biden administration received positive feedback indicating that Saudi Arabia and Israel are willing to continue normalization discussions. In response, the Saudi government reaffirmed its unwavering stance on the Palestinian issue.
