MBS says he is at risk in pursuit of Saudi-'Israel' deal: Politico

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Politico
14 Aug 2024 21:56
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"My tenure as the keeper of the holy sites of Islam will not be secure if I don’t address what is the most pressing issue of justice in our region," the crown prince was quoted as saying.

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In this photo provided by the Saudi Press Agency, SPA, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman chairs the Arab summit in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Friday, May 19, 2023. (Saudi Press Agency via AP)

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) has reportedly expressed concerns for his personal safety as he pursues a potentially historic deal to normalize relations between Saudi Arabia and "Israel", Politico reports.

In recent discussions with US lawmakers, MBS compared his situation to that of Egyptian President Anwar Sadat, who was assassinated after signing a peace treaty with "Israel".

This claim reveals the high stakes involved in the negotiations, especially in light of the Israeli-led genocide in Gaza which has spiked anti-Israeli occupation sentiment across the Arab world.

Deal hinges on Palestinian state

The proposed deal involves significant US commitments to Saudi Arabia, including security guarantees, assistance with a civilian nuclear program, and economic investments.

In exchange, Saudi Arabia would establish diplomatic ties with "Israel", a move that would be a major breakthrough for "Israel" given what the US sees as Saudi Arabia's influence in the Israeli world.

However, MBS has insisted that any agreement must include a credible path to some Palestinian state regardless of its sovereignty and borders, a condition that has proven contentious, especially with the current Israeli regime which refuses such a state even if it was made by the isles in the West Bank separated by illegal settlements.

"The way he put it was, 'Saudis care very deeply about this, and the street throughout the Middle East cares deeply about this, and my tenure as the keeper of the holy sites of Islam will not be secure if I don’t address what is the most pressing issue of justice in our region,'" one of the sources that were present at talks informed Politico.

Despite the risks, MBS appears determined to move forward, seeing the normalization deal with the Israeli occupation as essential for Saudi Arabia's future, according to the report.

Afraid of his own people?

Crown Prince Bin Salman may express fears of internal dissent, but he is unlikely to face any danger from the US or its allies due to their strategic and economic partnership.

This relationship is anchored in mutual interests, such as stabilizing global energy markets and ensuring the flow of petrodollars into US financial systems.

As a key ally, Saudi Arabia's stability is crucial for US geopolitical goals, especially in counter-balancing Iran.

Prior to the start of the war on Gaza, the Palestinian Authority had agreed for Riyadh to normalize relations with "Israel" without the granting of Palestinian statehood.

That agreement came to a complete halt when "Israel" launched its genocidal campaign in Gaza.