Saudi Arabia’s efforts to mend its strained relationship with Israel amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza have raised concerns about the safety of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. According to a report by Politico, the Crown Prince has expressed fears that his pursuit of peace talks could make him a target for assassination.
During his negotiations with U.S. lawmakers aimed at normalizing ties with Israel, Prince Mohammed reportedly conveyed that by leading this significant initiative involving the U.S. and Israel, he is putting his life at risk. Citing sources, Politico noted that the Saudi leader referenced the assassination of Egyptian President Anwar Sadat, who was killed after brokering a peace deal with Israel, and questioned what the U.S. had done to protect Sadat.
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The Crown Prince is said to have discussed the threats he faces in advancing the agreement, acknowledging the potential backlash from Arab nations, already inflamed by the Gaza conflict. He also expressed concern about losing support within his own country, emphasizing the deep-rooted sentiments of Saudis and people across the Middle East regarding Israel’s actions in Palestine.
A source quoted by Politico shared that Prince Mohammed highlighted the gravity of the situation, stating, “Saudis care very deeply about this, and the street throughout the Middle East cares deeply about this. My role as the guardian of the holy sites of Islam will not be secure if I don’t address the most pressing issue of justice in our region.”
The report further revealed that the Crown Prince is deeply worried about the potential fallout from a deal with the U.S. and Israel due to the significant risks involved. The details of the deal, which include U.S. security guarantees, support for a civilian nuclear program, and economic investments, remain largely secret and are still in development.
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