Saudi Crown Prince’s Fears Assassination Over Controversial Move

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Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) fears for his life as he pushes for normalizing relations with Israel, citing the assassination of Egyptian leader Anwar Sadat as a stark reminder of the risks he faces.

At a Glance

MBS is pushing for normalization with Israel despite severe opposition and assassination threats
The Crown Prince insists on a credible path to a Palestinian state as part of any deal
The proposed deal includes U.S. security guarantees and economic investments for Saudi Arabia
The ongoing Gaza conflict has complicated negotiations and increased demands for Palestinian statehood
Success of the deal remains uncertain due to Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s firm stance against a Palestinian state

MBS’s Bold Move Toward Israel Normalization

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) is taking a significant risk by pushing for the normalization of relations with Israel. This move, which could reshape Middle Eastern alliances, has been met with fierce opposition and even threats to MBS’s life. The Crown Prince has reportedly communicated his concerns about potential assassination attempts to U.S. officials, highlighting the dangerous landscape of Middle Eastern politics.

MBS’s efforts are part of a broader strategy to broker a grand bargain with the U.S. and Israel. This deal would include normalizing Saudi-Israeli relations in exchange for U.S. security guarantees, aid for a civilian nuclear program, and significant economic investments. However, the Crown Prince insists that any agreement must include a credible path to a Palestinian state, especially given the heightened Arab anger due to the ongoing Gaza conflict.

Another Harris-Biden Boondoggle: the Saudis are nixing normalization with Israel for fear of being assassinated.

“Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman told members of Congress that he is putting his life at risk as part of his decision to advance the agreement with the US,…

— Marc Zell (@GOPIsrael) August 14, 2024

The Risks and Challenges

The Crown Prince’s push for normalization comes with significant risks. MBS has reportedly told U.S. lawmakers that he’s putting his life in danger by pursuing this deal. He has referenced the assassination of Egyptian leader Anwar Sadat to illustrate the potential consequences of his actions.

The Israeli government’s reluctance to include a credible path to a Palestinian state in the deal presents a significant obstacle. MBS argues that addressing the Palestinian issue is crucial for regional security and stability, as well as for maintaining his position as the keeper of Islam’s holy sites.

Geopolitical Implications

The success of this deal could significantly alter Middle Eastern geopolitics, potentially uniting Saudi Arabia and Israel against Iran. However, the ongoing Gaza conflict has complicated negotiations, with increased demands for a clear path to a Palestinian state. The U.S. sees the normalization of relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia as key to stabilizing the region and constraining Iran’s influence.

The deal’s success remains uncertain, especially given Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s firm stance against a Palestinian state. Some analysts suggest that MBS might be using the assassination threat narrative as a diplomatic strategy to pressure the U.S. to influence Israel. Regardless of the motivations, the Crown Prince’s efforts highlight the complex and often perilous nature of Middle Eastern diplomacy.