King Salman’s illness raises Concerns and Speculations over the future of Saudi Arabia

The Institue for National Security Studies (INSS) said that concerns over the future of Saudi Arabia arose as King Salaman’s health deteriorated, especially in light of massive internal opposition to his son, Crown Prince MBS.

The Institute stated that King Salman’s recent admission to the hospital comes at a sensitive time and raises concerns and speculation about the stability of Saudi Arabia after his departure. A leadership crisis may occur, especially with the challenges facing the Kingdom.

The INSS highlighted that the issue of the Kingdom’s internal stability is now in great question. Bin Salman may use his central control over all the security services in the Kingdom to prove his rule in time.

According to the Institute, bin Salman still faces constant opposition to his authority, leaving him stubborn opponents at home who may undermine the legitimacy of his rule and push the Kingdom into a period of internal instability.

The Israeli Institute pointed out that Saudi Arabia faces a real crisis in its relationship with the United States of America. There are quite a few officials in Washington who do not want to reconcile with bin Salman’s rule.

It cautioned that the approach taken by US President Joe Biden towards bin Salman was considered an attempt to undermine his legitimacy as an actual ruler and future king.

The Institute stressed that for Israel, the identity of the Kingdom’s leader has direct repercussions on Israel as well, as it is estimated that bin Salman will show greater pragmatism than his father regarding the relationship with Tel Aviv. He will be more willing to open up in relations.

And GTN24 International revealed severe deterioration of the health of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, amid silence from the royal court and concealment of accurate information about his condition.

The agency reported that “experts believe that the chances of King Salman surviving are less than 10%, and he may die within two weeks or so.”

The agency stated that King Salman’s health condition is critical amid significant concerns within the ruling family in Saudi Arabia.

According to the agency, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is facing a major problem in obtaining the loyalty of many members of the Saudi family to succeed his father.

Last Sunday, King Salman underwent a colonoscopy, weeks after changing the pacemaker’s battery, which led to new health concerns about the ruler of the most prosperous Kingdom in the Persian Gulf.

King Salman, 86, has ruled oil-producing giant Saudi Arabia since 2015 and appointed his 36-year-old son, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, as his successor.

However, due to the health issues that King Salman is facing, his son is also responsible for managing the day-to-day affairs of the Kingdom.

The international community closely watches the health of the Saudi king as he wields ultimate authority in the Kingdom, which is also the world’s largest oil exporter.

King Salman’s health concerns have mostly been kept secret, with minor updates from the government, and his public appearances have also been restricted.

The Saudi Press Agency report stated that the king “will spend some time in the hospital according to the treatment plan recommended by the medical team.”

However, experts believe that the chances of King Salman surviving are less than 10 per cent, and he may die within two weeks or so, while the main issue remaining is his successor.

Local Saudi media reported earlier this year that King Salman was taken to a hospital in Riyadh to have the pacemaker battery replaced.

Although King Salman attended the Eid al-Fitr prayer a few days ago, his critical condition caused significant concerns among the ruling family.

Mohammed bin Salman, whose image has been tarnished by the Jamal Khashoggi case and numerous other human rights abuses, is facing a major problem in getting the loyalty of many members of the Saudi family to succeed his father.

After his promotion to Crown Prince of the Kingdom, bin Salman marginalized his rivals and consolidated his position on the future Saudi throne.

The agency concluded its report, “We have to wait for the news of the death of the elderly King Salman bin Abdulaziz and see what happens after that,” referring to the conflicting vision about the near future in the Kingdom.