Concerns have been voiced by saudi prince Mohammed bin Salman about his own safety while attempting to reconcile with Israel; Politico reports. In talks with United States lawmakers, MBS allegedly expressed fear for his life if he moves forward with the agreement without getting major concessions for the Palestinians.
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saudi prince and The Palestinian State’s Vital Role
MBS says any possible normalization agreement must provide a clear path towards a Palestinian state. He cited his fears from the killing of Egyptian President Anwar Sadat in 1981 by Islamist terrorists after signing a peace deal with Israel.
“If I do not resolve what I called the most urgent justice issue facing the area, I will resign from my role as the guardian of the sacred places of Islam,” said MBS. “The street throughout the Middle East cares deeply about this and Saudis care very deeply about this” he observed.
saudi prince,Gaza Conflict’s Impact on Normalization Talks
The recent escalations in Gaza have heavily impacted Saudi Arabia-Israel normalization negotiations. On October 7th, terrorists led by Hamas carried out a significant attack on southern Israel that killed nearly 1,200 people and took 251 hostages. The US and Saudi Arabia are having difficulties achieving their intended objective due to violence that has further complicated diplomatic matters.
Saudi-American Talks and Political Timing
Despite reservations, MBS insists on closing an agreement it believes will be vital to Saudi Arabia’s future. There are no preparations for Senate approval before its recess, according to U.S. Congress sources, which means that an Israeli-Saudi normalization deal is unlikely to be finalized before November’s presidential election is looming.
Writing in Politico Nahal Toosi who is POLITICO senior foreign affairs writer proposed that MBS may be using threats of harm or death against American officials as leverage points over Israeli compliance.
saudi prince, Obstacles and American Involvement
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has sought Saudi Arabia’s conciliation because he is against a Palestinian state.
Saudi Arabia wants full recognition of Israel accompanied by security guarantees from the United States and the development of civilian nuclear capabilities, said President Joe Biden.
The White House lifted the 2021 embargo on offensive weapon sales to Saudi Arabia in an attempt to involve Riyadh in ending hostilities in Gaza, as well as fending off threats posed by Iran.
saudi prince, Geopolitical Landscape
Normalization appeared imminent before Hamas led terrorists attacked southern Israel killing many and taking hostages on October 7th.
Notably, two Israeli ministers made noteworthy visits to Saudi Arabia shortly before the riots broke out.
While these intricate geopolitical realities are managed between the US and Saudi Arabia, the current Middle East turmoil casts doubt on whether or not such normalization agreement will survive it.
For furthering his normalization agenda, MBS’ next moves will likely encompass a finely calculated mix of diplomacy and public relations. This could mean staying connected with American representatives to get necessary assurances and concessions or manipulating Middle Eastern public opinion to minimize detrimental responses.
Again, the MBS has to combine larger objectives of regional stability and peace with Saudi Arabia’s security and economic interests.
