MBS expresses fear of being "assassinated" due to his efforts to restore ties with Israel

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has expressed fear of being assassinated due to his efforts to restore ties with Israel, according to US publication Politico.

He shared his concerns with US Congress members, citing the example of Egyptian leader Anwar Sadat, who was killed after signing a peace treaty with Israel in the 1980s.

"The Saudi royal has mentioned to members of Congress that he’s putting his life in danger by pursuing a grand bargain with the U.S. and Israel that includes normalizing Saudi-Israeli ties," the publication reported.

"On at least one occasion, he has invoked Anwar Sadat, the Egyptian leader slain after striking a peace deal with Israel, asking what the U.S. did to protect Sadat," it added.

Politico said that MBS emphasised the need for a realistic path to a Palestinian state in any potential deal with Israel, especially given the current peak in Arab anger against Israel after October 7.

He stated that he has risked his life for the restoration of Saudi-Israeli relations and cooperation with the United States.

However, MBS appears intent on striking a mega-deal with the US and Israel despite the risks involved. 

"He sees it as crucial to his country’s future," the publication said.

According to US-based news outlet, the secret agreement between Saudi Arabia and Washington includes commitments such as security guarantees, aid for a civilian nuclear program, and economic investment. 

In return, Saudi Arabia would limit its dealings with China and establish diplomatic ties with Israel, Politico mentioned.

However, the Israeli government is unwilling to include a credible deal for a Palestinian state in the agreement, with Politico describing this as a "diplomatic marketing ploy".

Earlier this year, Saudi Arabia maintained that it will not establish diplomatic relations with Israel until an independent Palestinian state is established within the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

On the other hand, White House National Security spokesperson John Kirby had said that Saudi Arabia had given a positive response to the US over normalising ties with Israel.