Is Saudi Arabia’s Youthful New ‘King In Waiting’ Good For Israel?
Image by getty
By Ari Feldman June 21, 2017
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who was recently given the title by his father, the current king of Saudi Arabia, is being lauded in some corners as an ‘ally of Israel.’
Though only 31 years old, bin Salman was put next in line for the throne at a time when the kingdom is consolidating its power in the region.
In May, Bin Salman reportedly called Israel “the sole lighthouse of democracy and freedom in one of the more troubled areas of the world,” and called on Arabs to embrace Israel.
Bin Salman has reportedly met with Israeli officials to begin economic negotiations. Preliminary agreements are said to include allowing Israeli business to operate in Saudi Arabia and permitting El Al planes to fly in Saudi airspace.
The crown prince also reportedly hopes to work with Israel and the U.S. on limiting Russia’s influence in the region, stopping ISIS, and clamping down on Iran.
Contact Ari Feldman at [email protected] or on Twitter @aefeldman.
Why I became the Forward’s Editor-in-Chief
You are surely a friend of the Forward if you’re reading this. And so it’s with excitement and awe — of all that the Forward is, was, and will be — that I introduce myself to you as the Forward’s newest editor-in-chief.
And what a time to step into the leadership of this storied Jewish institution! For 129 years, the Forward has shaped and told the American Jewish story. I’m stepping in at an intense time for Jews the world over. We urgently need the Forward’s courageous, unflinching journalism — not only as a source of reliable information, but to provide inspiration, healing and hope.
Support our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.
