MBS warns of assassination risks in pursuit of Saudi-Israel accord

Riyadh: Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia recently expressed concerns to U.S. lawmakers that his life could be in danger due to his pursuit of a significant diplomatic agreement with the U.S. and Israel, the international media reported on Wednesday.

The proposed deal involves normalizing relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel and includes multiple commitments from the U.S., such as security assurances and support for a civilian nuclear program.

The Crown Prince, often referred to as MBS, has cited the assassination of Egyptian leader Anwar Sadat after he made peace with Israel as a cautionary example, questioning what the U.S. did to protect Sadat. MBS argues that any deal with Israel must include a clear path to a Palestinian state, especially given the recent surge in Arab anger towards Israel following the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

These discussions, described by individuals familiar with the talks, reveal that despite the risks, MBS is determined to move forward with the deal, which he views as essential for Saudi Arabia's future. The deal would require Saudi Arabia to limit its ties with China and establish formal relations with Israel, a significant development given Saudi Arabia's influence in the Muslim world.

However, MBS has faced frustration due to Israel's reluctance to include a credible plan for a Palestinian state in the agreement. He has emphasized that the Palestinian issue is deeply important to Saudis and the broader Middle Eastern population, and that his role as the custodian of Islam's holy sites would be jeopardized if he did not address this critical matter of justice.

Despite MBS' past indifference towards the Palestinian cause, he now sees resolving this issue as crucial for Saudi Arabia's security and stability. The ongoing negotiations, which have faced challenges due to the war in Gaza, continue as MBS seeks to secure a deal that benefits his country, even as he acknowledges the personal risks involved.

The situation remains fluid, with MBS and the U.S. hoping that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will recognize the long-term benefits of the deal for Israel, despite the immediate pressures of the conflict. However, Netanyahu's government, backed by far-right factions, remains opposed to the creation of a Palestinian state, complicating the path forward.