Saudi Arabia Launches Ferocious State Media Attack on Benjamin Netanyahu

 

Saudi Arabia Launches Ferocious State Media Attack on Benjamin Netanyahu

 

Saudi Arabia has launched a scathing state media campaign against Benjamin Netanyahu, pointing to growing frustration in the Gulf state’s royal court with the Israeli prime minister and the war in Gaza.

The unusually hostile barrage, which could only have been published with authorities’ approval, came after US and Israeli officials talked up the prospects of Saudi Arabia normalising relations with Israel, despite Riyadh’s insistence that this would depend on the establishment of a Palestinian state.

The onslaught was triggered by Netanyahu joking in an interview last week about creating a Palestinian state in Saudi Arabia. – Financial Times

Our Take: FAFO, Bibi.

The Saudis have long been known for their laconic and private nature. When they do make public statements, it is measured and brief.

They have also been the lifeline for Israel over the past 15 months, organizing land convoys to transport goods from the UAE across the Arabian desert, when Israel ships couldn’t traverse the Red Sea to dock at Haifa, due to threats from the Houthis. They have done all of this while being mocked by many across the Muslim world, who have slandered them as cowards and traitors, for choosing peace over war with Israel.

That’s what makes this media blitz against Netanyahu so shocking. The Saudis are not known for airing out their grievances in public, and they have remained loyal to the mission to establish peace in the Middle East. But everybody has their limits, and Netanyahu has demonstrated a hubris that, for many, is beyond insufferable.

I have no doubt that the Saudis are still in Trump’s corner, and even read in on whatever plan the President has hatched, but this one line from the article is a little alarming:

Saudi Arabian foreign minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan last week postponed a scheduled trip to Washington after the US president announced his plan, a person familiar with the matter said.

We have covered Faisal many times in this Brief. He has proven himself a capable and congenial diplomat, who has earned friends for Saudi Arabia around the world. Canceling this meeting with President Trump is a signal to everyone that the Saudis have lost their patience with Tel Aviv.

And they are about to host President Trump and President Putin in a highly anticipated peace summit… – GhostofBasedPatrickHenry