Mohammed bin Salman on Netanyahu

Conditional relation (strong) Position evolved

TL;DR

Mohammed bin Salman’s view of Netanyahu is strongly negative, demanding criminal accountability amid the Gaza conflict.

Key Points

He demanded that Benjamin Netanyahu face criminal accountability for alleged crimes against the Palestinian people in Gaza.
Before the recent escalation, he stated in September 2023 that Saudi Arabia was getting "closer" to normalizing relations with Israel.
The Crown Prince reportedly said that while he did not personally care about the Palestinian issue, 70 percent of his younger population did, necessitating a focus on it.

Summary

Mohammed bin Salman's stance regarding Benjamin Netanyahu shifted from cautious engagement toward public condemnation, particularly following the escalation of the conflict in Gaza. Prior to the heightened tensions, the Saudi Crown Prince was reportedly moving steadily closer to a normalization deal with Israel, a process being actively pushed by the US administration. However, statements from Netanyahu regarding the conflict and his vision for the region, including mass transfer proposals, forced a sharp reversal in Riyadh's public posture. He demanded that Netanyahu face criminal charges for actions against Palestinians in Gaza, signaling a definitive line drawn in the relationship.

This evolution reflects an internal calculation where the public sentiment in Saudi Arabia on the Palestinian issue became non-negotiable for the Crown Prince's domestic standing. Despite earlier personal willingness to proceed with normalization, even tolerating perceived humiliation from a former US president, the current Israeli leadership's actions pushed the kingdom back toward a more traditional Arab nationalist stance. This shift means that for the Saudi Crown Prince, any future relationship remains contingent upon addressing Palestinian rights, directly contradicting Netanyahu's perceived goal of imposing peace through strength and sidelining the Palestinian cause.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mohammed bin Salman's current position on Netanyahu?

Mohammed bin Salman's current position is strongly negative, especially in light of the Gaza conflict. He has publicly called for the Israeli Prime Minister to face criminal charges for alleged actions against Palestinians. This indicates a collapse of any prior diplomatic warmth between the leaders.

Has Mohammed bin Salman changed their stance on normalization with Netanyahu's government?

Yes, his stance has significantly changed, evolving from being close to a normalization deal to drawing a firm line. The actions and statements by Netanyahu's government on Palestinian land transfer ultimately forced the Saudi position to revert to demanding a Palestinian state first.

What did Mohammed bin Salman say about Netanyahu's vision for peace?

The Saudi Crown Prince's statements imply a rejection of Netanyahu's approach, which has been characterized as seeking to impose peace through strength and sideline the Palestinians. Riyadh reaffirmed its non-negotiable position that relations require an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.