2024-08-17 16:04:59
Riyadh: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) is in danger of losing his life. According to a report published in the American news outlet Politico, MBS told members of the US Congress that he is risking his life by making a big deal with the US and Israel, which also includes normalizing Saudi relations with Israel. According to Politico, at one point MBS expressed concern about his fate becoming like that of Egyptian leader Anwar Sadat. Sadat was assassinated after signing a peace agreement with Israel. The Prince questioned what did the US do to protect Anwar Sadat? Prince Salman discussed the dangers he faces and explained why any agreement should include an irreversible path to a Palestinian state – especially now that the war in Gaza has further increased Arabs’ anger towards Israel. The report cited a former US official and two people with knowledge of the talks. Sources also said that the conversation suggests that Prince Salman appears willing to make a mega deal with the US and Israel despite being aware of the danger. He sees it as vital to Saudi Arabia’s future.
What will be the deal?
Several reports have emerged about the largely secret and still evolving agreement. It includes several US commitments to Saudi Arabia, such as security guarantees through a treaty, assistance on a civilian nuclear program and economic investments in areas such as technology. According to some reports, Saudi Arabia will limit its dealings with China. It will also establish diplomatic and other ties with Israel. Given Saudi Arabia’s importance among Muslim countries, the deal would be a boon for the Israelis.
Will Saudi-Israel become friends?
The report also says that despite MBS’s displeasure, the Israeli government is not ready to make a way for a Palestinian state in the agreement. Earlier this year, amid Israel’s attack on Gaza, Saudi Arabia told the US that its stance is that there will be no diplomatic relations with Israel. Until Israel recognizes an independent Palestinian state with 1967 borders. Earlier, White House National Security spokesman John Kirby said that the Biden administration has received positive feedback that Saudi Arabia and Israel are willing to negotiate normalization.