17 August 2024: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reportedly fears for his life as he attempts to normalize relations with Israel amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. According to a report by Politico, the Saudi leader expressed these concerns during discussions with U.S. lawmakers, highlighting the risks he faces as he navigates the delicate process of re-balancing Saudi Arabia’s troubled ties with Israel.
The Crown Prince, who has been leading negotiations for a historic agreement that could reshape the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East, reportedly drew parallels between his situation and that of former Egyptian President Anwar Sadat, who was assassinated after making peace with Israel. During conversations with U.S. Congress members, bin Salman reportedly questioned what measures the U.S. took to protect Sadat, emphasizing the threats he now faces as he seeks to finalize a similar peace deal.
The report suggests that the Crown Prince is deeply concerned about the potential backlash from both within Saudi Arabia and across the broader Arab world, where support for Palestine remains strong. He acknowledged the gravity of the situation, noting that the streets of the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia, care deeply about the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine. This sentiment, he fears, could jeopardize his position as the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques if he fails to address the issue with the seriousness it demands.
The negotiations, which are still developing and largely shrouded in secrecy, involve multiple U.S. commitments to Saudi Arabia. These include security guarantees, support for a civilian nuclear program, and significant economic investments. Despite the potential benefits of the agreement, bin Salman is reportedly worried about the significant risks it entails, both to his personal safety and his leadership.
As the talks progress, the Crown Prince continues to weigh the potential outcomes, mindful of the historical and political precedents that have shaped the region. The potential for a groundbreaking agreement between Saudi Arabia, the U.S., and Israel remains uncertain, with bin Salman’s fears casting a shadow over the negotiations.
