Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) recently shared his concerns about potential assassination threats during discussions with visiting U.S. lawmakers, particularly in the context of his ongoing efforts to normalize relations with Israel. According to a report by Politico, MBS fears that his pursuit of this diplomatic objective could ultimately cost him his life.
MBS fears assassination
During these conversations, MBS reportedly referenced the assassination of former Egyptian President Anwar Sadat, who was killed by Islamist extremists in 1981, just two years after signing a historic peace treaty with Israel. The crown prince is said to have questioned what actions the United States took to protect Sadat after the landmark agreement, suggesting that similar threats could emerge if Saudi Arabia were to move forward with normalization.
MBS emphasized that any potential agreement between Riyadh and Jerusalem would need to include a “true path to a Palestinian state,” something that the current Israeli government has publicly opposed. He reportedly explained that this condition was crucial not only for securing a deal but also for maintaining his legitimacy as the custodian of Islam’s holiest sites.
Despite the risks, MBS appears determined to pursue a comprehensive deal involving the U.S. and Israel, viewing it as essential to Saudi Arabia’s future. However, the timeline for achieving such an agreement remains uncertain, with U.S. Congress sources suggesting that the possibility of finalizing a deal before the upcoming presidential election in November has become increasingly unlikely.
Nahal Toosi, a senior foreign affairs correspondent at Politico, speculated in a recent column that MBS’s expression of concern over his safety could be an attempt to pressure U.S. officials to push Israel towards a deal that aligns with his vision. Toosi noted that MBS was already taking a significant risk by considering diplomatic ties with Israel, even before the recent conflict in Gaza, which has further complicated the situation.
prospect of Israeli-Saudi normalization
The prospect of Israeli-Saudi normalization has been a long-standing goal for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who sees it as a critical strategic objective. However, Netanyahu’s consistent rejection of a future Palestinian state poses significant challenges to any such agreement.
Amid ongoing negotiations, U.S. President Joe Biden has indicated that Saudi Arabia’s willingness to “fully recognize Israel” could hinge on security guarantees from Washington and the establishment of a civilian nuclear facility in the kingdom.
In a related development, the White House recently lifted a ban on offensive weapons sales to Saudi Arabia, a move seen as part of broader efforts to secure Riyadh’s cooperation in achieving a ceasefire in Gaza and countering potential threats from Iran. This decision underscores the complex and high-stakes nature of the evolving diplomatic landscape in the Middle East.
Before the outbreak of war in Gaza, the normalization of relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia seemed to be on the horizon, with Israeli ministers making unprecedented public visits to Saudi Arabia just days before the conflict began on October 7. The subsequent violence, including attacks by Hamas-led terrorists that resulted in the deaths of around 1,200 people and the taking of 251 hostages, has further intensified the challenges surrounding the normalization process.
