A report from the US-based news outlet Politico reveals that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) is facing assassination threats due to his efforts to normalize relations with Israel. The report indicates that MBS has informed members of the US Congress about the risks to his life as he negotiates a major deal involving the US and Israel, which includes establishing formal ties between Saudi Arabia and Israel.
Politico, citing a former US official, reports that MBS has highlighted these threats to stress the importance of including a definitive and irreversible path to a future Palestinian state in any agreement. MBS has compared his situation to that of former Egyptian leader Anwar Sadat, who was assassinated by Egyptian extremists in 1981 after signing a peace treaty with Israel.
A source close to the matter told Politico that MBS has emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating, “Saudis care deeply about this, and the street throughout the Middle East cares deeply about this. My role as the guardian of Islam’s holy sites will not be secure if I don’t address what is the most pressing issue of justice in our region.”
The report notes that the timing of these assassination threats remains unclear, particularly as the prospects for an Israel-Saudi normalization deal have reportedly waned in recent months, according to congressional sources.
Despite the risks, MBS is said to be committed to pursuing the deal with the US and Israel, considering it crucial for Saudi Arabia’s future. However, the Israeli government has been reluctant to include a credible path to a Palestinian state in the agreement.
Earlier this year, during a major Israeli offensive in Gaza, Saudi Arabia reiterated to the US that it would not establish diplomatic relations with Israel unless an independent Palestinian state was recognized based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, and Israeli “aggression” in Gaza ceased. This stance was reaffirmed by the Saudi foreign ministry.
Previously, White House National Security spokesperson John Kirby had noted that the Biden administration received positive signals about ongoing normalization discussions between Saudi Arabia and Israel. However, the kingdom later reaffirmed its firm position on the Palestinian issue in response to Kirby’s remarks.
