Hebrew Analysis: Internal Fears Freeze Normalization… and Bin Salman Under Pressure from Royal Family Princes
Maariv: The Saudi crown prince has not abandoned normalization in principle, but fears an internal explosion that could threaten his position in power.
NYN | Reports and Analyses
The Hebrew daily Maariv revealed, in an analysis by Zionist writer Michael Kleiner, that the apparent retreat in Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s stance on normalization with the occupation entity since the events of October 7 does not reflect a final abandonment of the option. Rather, it reflects mounting internal concerns related to the security of his rule and political stability.
Public Coolness… and Unspoken Fear
The analysis explained that Bin Salman still views normalization as a postponed strategic option, but current conditions inside Saudi Arabia have pushed him to freeze public progress on this path, out of fear of internal repercussions that could be exploited by influential factions within the ruling family.
Opposing Princes Await the Moment
According to the writer, the crown prince faces a growing threat from a conservative wing within the royal family that includes opposing princes who are waiting for an opportune moment to remove him, taking advantage of rising Saudi and Arab public anger over Israel’s war of annihilation on the Gaza Strip.
Halting the Preparation of Public Opinion for Normalization
The analysis noted that these risks have forced Bin Salman to halt efforts to prepare Saudi public opinion to join the so-called “Abraham Accords,” shifting instead to a more cautious discourse that links any progress on normalization to an Israeli declaration paving the way for the establishment of a Palestinian state—an attempt to contain internal pressure and reduce the likelihood of a move against him.
Fewer Gains… Greater Risks
Kleiner argued that any normalization step under the current circumstances entails risks that outweigh potential gains for the Saudi crown prince, noting that U.S. President Donald Trump’s statement that the agreement “will happen when the time is right” accurately reflects the complexity and sensitivity of the political landscape inside the Kingdom at this stage.
