Saudi Crown Prince fears assassination over Israel normalization.
Despite the potential dangers, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman remains resolute in his commitment to the peace process with Israel. He understands that normalization of relations is a critical step for the future of Saudi Arabia, both economically and geopolitically. The Crown Prince believes that fostering stability in the region is essential for the kingdom’s growth and modernization efforts, including his ambitious Vision 2030 plan. Despite fears of assassination and opposition from various factions, he is determined to move forward, recognizing that peace with Israel could unlock significant opportunities for Saudi Arabia on the global stage.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has reportedly expressed deep concerns over his personal safety as he pushes forward with efforts to normalize relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel. According to a report published on August 14 by Politico, the Crown Prince fears that his pursuit of a normalization agreement with Israel could make him a target for assassination, drawing comparisons to the fate of former Egyptian President Anwar Sadat, who was assassinated in 1981 after signing a peace treaty with Israel.
During discussions with members of the U.S. Congress, Prince Mohammed bin Salman reportedly confided that he believes he is “putting his life in danger by pursuing a grand bargain with the U.S. and Israel that includes normalizing Saudi-Israeli ties.” The Crown Prince’s concerns are rooted in the historical and religious significance of the Israel-Palestine conflict, which has been a central issue in Middle Eastern politics for decades and has deeply influenced the region’s dynamics.
The Israel-Palestine conflict, particularly in the aftermath of the recent Gaza war, has further heightened regional tensions. For many in the Arab world, the Palestinian cause is a deeply emotional and significant issue, tied to the broader struggle for justice and self-determination in the region. The Crown Prince has emphasized that any peace agreement must include a clear path to a Palestinian state, warning that failing to address this critical issue would not only undermine his own standing as the custodian of Islam’s holiest sites but also risk further destabilizing the region.
According to a source familiar with the discussions, the Crown Prince articulated his concerns by stating, “Saudis care very deeply about this, and the street throughout the Middle East cares deeply about this.
Despite these fears, the Saudi Crown Prince remains determined to proceed with the peace process, recognizing its importance for Saudi Arabia’s future. Normalizing relations with Israel is seen as a strategic move that could yield significant benefits for the kingdom, including enhanced security cooperation with the United States, greater economic opportunities, and a stronger position in the region’s geopolitics. Prince Mohammed’s Vision 2030 plan, which aims to modernize the Saudi economy and reduce its dependence on oil, could also receive a substantial boost from closer ties with Israel, particularly in areas such as technology, innovation, and investment.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has consistently rejected the idea of a future Palestinian state, which is a key demand for Saudi Arabia and other Arab countries in any peace agreement. This stance has made it difficult to find common ground, and the recent actions of the Israeli government have further complicated the prospects for peace.
perpetuate the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and destabilize the region.” This hardline position from Israel complicates the Crown Prince’s efforts to broker a deal that would be acceptable to both parties while also addressing the broader concerns of the Arab and Muslim world.
The Crown Prince’s willingness to push forward with normalization efforts despite these significant risks reflects his broader approach to leadership. Since rising to power, Mohammed bin Salman has shown a willingness to take bold and sometimes controversial steps to transform Saudi Arabia, both domestically and on the international stage. His Vision 2030 initiative, which seeks to diversify the Saudi economy and reduce its reliance on oil, has included sweeping reforms that have been both lauded and criticized.
In the context of Middle Eastern geopolitics, the Crown Prince’s pursuit of a normalization agreement with Israel represents a potential paradigm shift. Historically, Saudi Arabia has been one of the staunchest supporters of the Palestinian cause, and its leadership in the Muslim world has been closely tied to its role as the guardian of Islam’s holiest sites in Mecca and Medina. A move toward normalization with Israel, without a clear resolution to the Palestinian issue, risks alienating a significant portion of the Arab and Muslim population.
Nevertheless, the Crown Prince appears to be betting that the long-term benefits of normalization, particularly in terms of security and economic development, outweigh the immediate risks. The United States, under the Biden administration, has been actively involved in encouraging normalization efforts between Israel and Arab states, following the Abraham Accords signed under the Trump administration. A normalization agreement between Saudi Arabia and Israel would be a significant diplomatic achievement for both countries and the U.S., potentially reshaping the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East.
As the Crown Prince continues to navigate these treacherous waters, the stakes could not be higher. His leadership is being tested not only by external pressures but also by internal dynamics within Saudi Arabia. The kingdom’s population, particularly its youth, is increasingly looking for opportunities and reforms that can ensure a prosperous future. At the same time, the Crown Prince must balance these aspirations with the conservative elements of Saudi society, who may view any rapprochement with Israel with suspicion or outright hostility.
The Crown Prince’s fears of assassination are a stark reminder of the personal risks that come with such high-stakes diplomacy. The comparison to Anwar Sadat, who was assassinated after making peace with Israel, is particularly poignant. Sadat’s assassination was a turning point in the Middle East, demonstrating the dangers that leaders face when they challenge deeply entrenched narratives and take bold steps toward peace.
For Mohammed bin Salman, the path forward is uncertain, but his determination to pursue normalization with Israel signals a commitment to a vision of Saudi Arabia that is more integrated into the global community and less constrained by the conflicts of the past. Whether this vision will be realized, and at what cost, remains to be seen.