To build healthy relations with his neighbors Mohammed Bin Salman feared assassination over normalizing the deal with Israel. There have also raised concerns about his safety amid the ongoing Gaza conflict.
In a recent discussion among U.S. lawmakers, MBS expressed concern about the possibility of his “own assassination.”
The Deal Of Normalizing with Israel.
In 1970, Saudi Arabia voted against recognizing Israel’s sovereignty. However, in 2023 Saudi Arabia made efforts towards a normalization agreement with Israel, with the United States acting as a mediator. Following the recent conflict between Israel and Hamas, which resulted in many civilian deaths, advancing this agreement has become difficult.
The crown prince stated,
I will resign from my role as the guardian of the sacred places of Islam if I do not resolve what I have called the most urgent justice issue facing the region.
He emphasized,
Saudis care very deeply about this, and people throughout the Middle East care deeply about this.
Major Reason Behind MBS’s Fear
The origins of this fear may stem from the assassination of Egyptian President Anwar Sadat, who was killed by Islamic militants in 1981 following a peace accord with Israel. This could be a prominent reason behind Mohammed Bin Salman’s fear of assassination.
Israeli Obstacles and U.S. Involvement.
President Joe Biden has confirmed that Saudi Arabia seeks to develop a Sicilian nuclear facility and obtain U.S. security assurance in exchange for full recognition of Israel.
Although Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has long sought normalization with Saudi Arabia, opposition to a Palestinian state remains a crucial obstacle in advancing this normalization deal between Israel and Saudi Arabia.
Crucial Next Step for Mohammed Bin Salman
MBS is likely to involve a combination of strategic and diplomatic maneuvers, along with efforts in public relations, to advance this Normalization agenda.
Importantly, MBS needs to balance Saudi Arabia’s security and economic interests with broader goals of regional stability and peace.
