Politico, a prominent US-based news outlet, recently stirred discussions with an article suggesting that Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) might be facing threats of assassination due to his efforts to normalize relations with Israel. The column, authored by senior foreign affairs correspondent Nahal Toosi, cited unnamed sources who disclosed that MBS had privately discussed these dangers with members of the US Congress.
According to Toosi, the Crown Prince highlighted these threats as a significant reason why any deal involving Saudi-Israeli normalization must also include a clear and immediate pathway to Palestinian statehood. This stipulation has been a contentious issue, as Israel has shown resistance to this aspect of the proposed agreement, despite its general support for normalization with Saudi Arabia.
The article elaborates that MBS has explicitly conveyed to US lawmakers that his life is at risk due to his pursuit of a comprehensive agreement with both the US and Israel, which would entail formalizing Saudi-Israeli relations. In his discussions, he emphasized that the inclusion of a viable plan for Palestinian statehood is crucial, especially in light of the intensified anger across the Arab world towards Israel following the recent conflict in Gaza.
🇺🇸🇸🇦🇮🇱 POLITICO:
— Islamic Resistance News (@IslamicRes92) August 14, 2024
SAUDI CROWN PRINCE MOHAMMED BIN SALMAN told members of the US Congress that he is AFRAID OF BEING ASSASSINATED FOR TRYING TO NORMALIZE RELATIONS WITH ISRAEL, like Sadat, the former president of Egypt. pic.twitter.com/n3PD0b2zmw
The proposed triad deal, which was a key priority for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu before the Hamas-led attack on October 7, had temporarily stalled but was later revived. US President Joe Biden viewed a potential Gaza ceasefire as an opportunity to advance the normalization agreement before the upcoming November 4 presidential election.
However, the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iranian-backed groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah has complicated the situation, making it difficult for the current Senate to move forward with the deal. Notably, Netanyahu did not bring up the Saudi normalization deal during his address to the US Congress on July 24, though he discussed it with President Biden during their meeting at the White House the following day.
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