These sources, which include an unnamed former US official and two others familiar with the discussions, indicated that the crown prince shared these concerns with US lawmakers.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has expressed fears of assassination due to his efforts to normalise relations with Israel.
These sources, which include an unnamed former US official and two others familiar with the discussions, indicated that the crown prince shared these concerns with US lawmakers.
According to Politico, Prince Mohammed reportedly referenced the US's failure to protect Egyptian President Anwar Sadat, who was assassinated in October 1981 after making peace with Israel.
The concerns were raised during talks with US lawmakers about the proposed normalisation deal with Israel.
As one of the most influential Muslim nations and the custodian of Islam's two holiest sites, Saudi Arabia has never recognised Israel and did not participate in the 2020 Abraham Accords, which saw some of its Gulf neighbours establish formal ties with Israel.
The Joe Biden administration, however, has been pushing for a deal between Riyadh and Tel Aviv. In return for normalising relations, Prince Mohammed is reportedly seeking a comprehensive security agreement with the US, support for a civilian nuclear programme, and economic investments.
The prince has been keen to stress the significant risks of such a deal, given Saudi Arabia's position within the Arab and Muslim world and their views on Israel.
Despite the ongoing conflict in Gaza and a death toll exceeding 40,000, Riyadh has not ruled out normalisation, stating that it could happen once Palestinian statehood is on track.
One source quoted by Politico mentioned that Prince Mohammed 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."
However, Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Netanyahu, have consistently rejected the idea of Palestinian statehood, a stance that has only strengthened during the current war in Gaza.
A Pew poll conducted in May found that only a quarter of Israelis, including Palestinian citizens of the state, support peaceful coexistence with a Palestinian state.
Given this context, the crown prince’s remarks have been interpreted as an attempt to extract concessions from Israel.
Political analyst Sami Hamdi explained that before October 7th, Prince Mohammed appeared to be moving rapidly towards normalisation, but the current situation has made him question whether Tel Aviv and Washington fully appreciate the challenges he faces.
Hamdi added that the crown prince’s fears of assassination might be a plea for greater consideration from Israel and the US, recognising the peril of normalisation in a Muslim world that could see it as a betrayal of Palestine.