U.S. and Saudi Arabia near potentially historic security deal
CBSMay 18
Saudi Crown Prince Calls for End of War in Gaza, Lebanon
Above: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman speaks during the Extraordinary Arab and Islamic Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Nov. 11, 2024. Image copyright: Saudi Press Agency/Xinhua News Agency via Getty Images
The Facts
Speaking at a summit for Arab and Muslim leaders on Monday, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said that Israel must end its campaigns in Gaza and Lebanon, and criticized Israeli attacks on Iran, in his strongest remarks since the war began.
MBS claimed that Israeli actions in Gaza amount to genocide. Assembled leaders cited torture, executions, disappearances, and “ethnic cleansing" in a closing statement that called for a Palestinian state encompassing Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem. Israel has denied committing abuses in Gaza.
The Spin
Narrative A
As the leading Muslim country in the world, Saudi Arabia has a duty and responsibility to stand up for the rights of the Palestinian people, who are facing genocide in Gaza. Additionally, Saudi Arabia also stands firm on its position that a cease-fire must be reached in Lebanon. Hopefully, the incoming Trump administration will work with its allies in the region to end this terrible war.
Narrative B
Israel cannot take its Arab allies for granted and must act wisely regarding how it conducts itself in this war. The relationships Israel has formed with countries like Jordan, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia are critical to Israel's strategic position in the region, and thus some sort of resolution to the Palestinian question must be achieved.
Narrative C
The only reason bin Salman is talking tough about Israel is because he is afraid of losing his legitimacy with the Saudi people, especially the youth. The crown prince reportedly told the US that he doesn't care about Palestine or Palestinians, but is worried about internal backlash. Saudi Arabia's support of Palestine is rhetorical only.