Saudi Arabia Warns US to Stop Israel Now | "We will Take Action"

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Last weekend, ten senators met with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the kingdom's de facto ruler, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Senator Richard Blumenthal, a Democrat from Connecticut who serves on the Armed Services Committee, was among those present.
On Thursday, Mr. Blumenthal told The New York Times that "the Saudi leadership was hopeful that a ground operation could be avoided for reasons of stability as well as loss of life," adding that it would be "very destructive," as Saudi officials have warned.

According to one Saudi official and a second person familiar with the discussions, senior Saudi officials have issued even stronger warnings to their American counterparts in several conversations, expressing their concern that a ground invasion would be disastrous for the entire region.

The discussions took occurred as tensions rose outside of Gaza. As Israel bombards and besieges the enclave in reprisal for an attack on Israel by Hamas, the militant Palestinian organization that rules Gaza, on October 7, necessities such as fuel and water are becoming increasingly short.

According to one Biden administration official, the Saudis are opposed to an Israeli strike on Gaza. The US official, the Saudi official, and the individual who was aware of the Saudi threats all wanted anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman walks alongside Indonesian President Joko Widodo on a lavender carpet in a square in front of military officers who are standing to attention.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo was received by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman this month in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia's capital, as depicted in a photo provided by the Saudi Royal Court.

Since the Hamas onslaught that killed over 1,400 Israelis, the US has consistently maintained Israel's right to self-defense.

President Biden recently remarked, "Let there be no doubt." "The United States stands with Israel."

Meanwhile, according to US officials, Mr. Biden pressed Israel to delay the strike for a variety of reasons, including more time for hostage negotiations, increased humanitarian aid to Gaza, and improved military strategy. Furthermore, there are signs that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is concerned about an invasion.

During a phone chat this week, Prince Mohammed and Mr. Biden "agreed on pursuing broader diplomatic efforts to maintain stability across the region and prevent the conflict from spreading," according to a White House statement released on Tuesday. The message made no mention of any plans for a ground invasion.