Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman told US officials he fears being assassinated if he agrees to a normalization deal with Israel, according to Politico.
Normalization talks, similar to the Abraham Accords with the UAE, Morocco, and Bahrain, began between Israel and Saudia Arabia but were interrupted during the war.
The ongoing war between Israel and Gaza has incensed many in the Arab world, and the Crown Prince fears for his life if he establishes ties with Israel.
However, he told US officials that establishing a framework for a Palestinian State as part of the normalization deal may appease critics.
Mohammed Bin Salman said, “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 obstacle to the part of the deal involving the US is that Congress can’t ratify any normalization treaty until the US elections are over.
Additionally, Israel’s Knesset voted against the establishment of a Palestinian State.
Although there are significant roadblocks, the Saudi Crown Prince feels that normalization should move forward, but only if certain conditions are met.
