Dubai, August 16: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has reportedly expressed concerns about his safety if he proceeds with a normalisation agreement with Israel without securing significant concessions for Palestinians. According to a Politico report, MBS has raised the possibility of being targeted, similar to Egyptian President Anwar Sadat, who was assassinated by Islamist militants in 1981 after signing a peace deal with Israel.

In discussions with US Congress members, MBS emphasised the importance of including a clear path to Palestinian statehood in any potential deal. He noted that his position as the custodian of Islam's holiest sites would be jeopardised if he failed to address the Palestinian issue, which remains a central concern across the Middle East. Mohammed Bin Salman 'Assassination Attempt' Made? Unverified Claim That Saudi Crown Prince Targeted in 'Car Bombing' Goes Viral, Video of Heavy Police Deployment Near Burning Car Surfaces.

Despite his fears, the crown prince appears determined to move forward with normalising relations with Israel, viewing it as crucial for Saudi Arabia's future. The evolving deal, largely confidential, involves several U.S. commitments to Saudi Arabia, including security guarantees, assistance with a civilian nuclear program, and investments in technology sectors. In exchange, Saudi Arabia would establish diplomatic ties with Israel and potentially limit its engagement with China. Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Urges All Nations To Halt Weapon Exports to Israel During BRICS Meet.

However, MBS has expressed frustration with Israel's reluctance to include a viable pathway to Palestinian statehood in the agreement. His discussions about the risk to his life seem to be an effort to pressure U.S. officials into persuading Israel to align with his demands.

The chances of finalising an Israel-Saudi normalisation agreement before the upcoming US presidential election 2024 in November are considered low, with the Senate unlikely to ratify the US-Saudi portion of the deal before its recess. Meanwhile, the Biden administration has recently resumed offensive weapons sales to Saudi Arabia, lifting a ban imposed in 2021 over human rights concerns. This move is seen as part of Washington’s broader strategy to secure a ceasefire in Gaza and counter potential Iranian threats to Israel.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 16, 2024 06:49 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).