Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) has long positioned himself as a reformer and modernizer, seeking to lead Saudi Arabia into a new era of economic diversification and global influence. However, recent reports have shed light on a more controversial aspect of his leadership—allegations that MBS is financially supporting Israeli military efforts and settlement expansion, even as the conflict in Gaza continues to claim Palestinian lives. These reports also suggest that MBS is cracking down on pro-Palestinian sentiment within Saudi Arabia, raising serious questions about the kingdom’s foreign policy and human rights practices.
Financial Backing for Israeli Settlements and Military
According to credible sources, the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), which operates under the direct control of MBS, has invested $2 billion in Affinity Partners, a U.S.-based private equity firm owned by Jared Kushner, the son-in-law and former advisor to President Donald Trump. Affinity Partners has reportedly entered into contracts with Israeli companies involved in the construction of settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories and in the production of warships for the Israeli military.
These revelations are particularly shocking, given the ongoing violence in Gaza, where Israeli forces have been accused of human rights violations against Palestinian civilians. MBS’s financial support for companies linked to Israeli settlement expansion directly contradicts Saudi Arabia’s previous public stance on the Palestinian issue, further complicating its relationship with the broader Arab and Muslim world.
Ties to Jared Kushner and U.S. Arms Deals
MBS’s close relationship with Jared Kushner plays a pivotal role in this unfolding narrative. Kushner, who was instrumental in defending MBS after the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018, has long been a key figure in maintaining strong ties between the Trump administration and the Saudi crown prince. After U.S. intelligence agencies concluded that MBS had approved Khashoggi’s assassination, Kushner reportedly worked behind the scenes to shield MBS from international backlash.
In addition to this political protection, Kushner also facilitated $110 billion in arms sales to Saudi Arabia, helping MBS secure vital military equipment even as Congress expressed concerns over Saudi Arabia’s role in the war in Yemen and its poor human rights record.
Military Support for Israel During Gaza Conflict
Further complicating the situation are reports that MBS has purchased $2 billion in advanced air defense systems from European countries, specifically intended to protect Israel during its military operations in Gaza. These defense systems include reconnaissance technologies, early warning systems, and interceptive missiles designed to shield Israeli forces from attacks, particularly from Yemen.
This military support for Israel, while covert, raises serious concerns about Saudi Arabia’s true stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Despite its longstanding official support for Palestinian statehood, these actions suggest that MBS may be prioritizing geopolitical alliances with Israel and the West over solidarity with the Palestinian cause.
Saudi Arabia’s Crackdown on Pro-Palestinian Sentiment
In the wake of the ongoing Israeli attacks on Gaza, Saudi Arabia has reportedly intensified efforts to suppress pro-Palestinian sentiment within the kingdom. Social media posts expressing support for the people of Gaza have led to arrests by Saudi security forces, with several citizens detained for criticizing Israeli actions or showing solidarity with Palestinians. These arrests have targeted social activists, human rights advocates, and even ordinary citizens who spoke out against the violence.
This crackdown is part of a broader effort by the Saudi government to control the narrative around its foreign policy and to prevent dissent among its population. By silencing voices critical of Israel, MBS appears to be aligning more closely with Israeli interests, while simultaneously undermining free expression and human rights within his own borders.
The Normalization Process: Delayed by Gaza Conflict
Prior to the escalation of violence in Gaza, Saudi Arabia had been on the verge of finalizing a normalization agreement with Israel, following in the footsteps of other Gulf states such as the UAE and Bahrain. However, the recent conflict has led Saudi Arabia to demand that Israel agree to the establishment of a Palestinian state as a condition for normalization.
Despite this public stance, Israel has thus far refused to meet this demand, and the normalization process has stalled. Nevertheless, MBS’s financial support for Israeli-linked companies and his government’s crackdown on pro-Palestinian activists suggest a deeper, more complex relationship between Saudi Arabia and Israel than previously acknowledged.
Saudi Arabia’s Military Spending: A Global Concern
Amid this controversy, Saudi Arabia continues to rank among the world’s largest military spenders. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), Saudi Arabia was the fifth-largest military spender in the world in 2023, with military expenditures reaching $75.8 billion, or 7.1% of its GDP. This high level of spending places Saudi Arabia alongside major powers such as the United States, China, Russia, and India, and highlights the kingdom’s significant investment in defense.
Critics argue that MBS’s focus on military spending, including his purchases of defense systems meant to protect Israel, reflects misplaced priorities. With economic inequality and unemployment still major issues in Saudi Arabia, many are questioning why so much of the nation’s wealth is being funneled into foreign military ventures, rather than addressing domestic challenges.
The recent revelations about Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s financial support for Israeli settlements and military operations have sparked widespread controversy. While Saudi Arabia publicly maintains its support for Palestinian statehood, its actions behind the scenes suggest a different agenda—one that involves strengthening ties with Israel and the West, even at the cost of Palestinian lives and human rights.
As the kingdom continues to suppress pro-Palestinian voices at home and prioritize military spending abroad, the future of Saudi Arabia’s role in the Middle East remains uncertain. MBS’s choices could have lasting implications not only for the Palestinian people but for Saudi Arabia’s standing in the Arab and Muslim world.
