middle East
Bin Salman on Fox: Saudi Arabia and Israel are getting closer
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (l) and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Saudi Arabia and Israel are apparently getting closer. photo
© Abir Sultan/-/EPA POOL via AP/Saudi Press Agency/dpa
Saudi Arabia is a close partner of the USA, but not of Israel – at least not yet. In an interview conducted in English with the US broadcaster Fox, the Saudi crown prince reported something remarkable.
The country’s de facto ruler described a possible agreement with Israel as the “biggest historic deal since the end of the Cold War.” Bin Salman dismissed reports that negotiations had been suspended as “untrue”.
An agreement depends largely on Israel’s dealings with the Palestinians, emphasized Salman, who was interviewed by Fox journalist Bret Baier on the Saudi island of Sindalah. “If we have a breakthrough in reaching a deal that meets the needs of the Palestinians and calms the region, then we will work with whoever is there,” the 38-year-old said, according to statements from the interview published by Fox. The lives of Palestinians should become easier, he added. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is one of the largest donors to the Palestinians.
On the question of Iran’s possible nuclear armament, he said this would be a “bad step.” Nobody can use nuclear weapons. “Any country that uses nuclear weapons is starting a war with the rest of the world,” he said. “The world cannot experience a second Hiroshima.” If Tehran obtains a nuclear bomb, Saudi Arabia would have to do the same, he said.