Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has expressed concerns about potential assassination threats as he navigates delicate negotiations with the United States to normalize relations with Israel. According to the American website Politico, the de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia reportedly shared these fears with US lawmakers during discussions about the proposed peace deal.
The Crown Prince is reportedly concerned about the potential backlash from both within Saudi Arabia and the broader Arab world, where support for Palestine remains strong. He is said to have explicitly referenced the fate of Egyptian President Anwar Sadat, who was assassinated after signing a peace treaty with Israel in 1979. The Prince’s anxieties are heightened by the ongoing war in Gaza, which has further inflamed tensions in the region.
The proposed deal between Saudi Arabia and the United States is said to include a range of US commitments to the Saudis, including security guarantees, assistance with a civilian nuclear program, and economic investments in key sectors. However, these benefits come at a significant cost, as the deal would require Saudi Arabia to normalize ties with Israel.
The Prince has reportedly expressed his concerns about the potential repercussions of striking such a deal, acknowledging the significant risks involved. He is said to have emphasized the deep concern among Saudis about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the potential backlash he could face for aligning with Israel.
The deal between Saudi Arabia and the US remains largely secret and is still under development. It is unclear how the US will address the Crown Prince’s concerns about potential threats and how the deal will ultimately be implemented. However, the reported fears of assassination highlight the complexity and potential consequences of any attempt to forge peace between Saudi Arabia and Israel in the current climate.
