Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is set to visit Washington this week, with significant implications for both the prince and U.S. President Donald Trump. The visit comes at a challenging time for the White House, which is still dealing with the aftermath of the longest government shutdown in U.S. history and the ongoing fallout from the Jeffrey Epstein scandal.

Bin Salman, often referred to as MBS, will arrive in Washington on Tuesday. This trip follows Trump's own tour of the Persian Gulf in May, which included a controversial $400 million gift from Qatar to the U.S. president. During that trip, Trump signed over a dozen agreements with Saudi Arabia, including a historic arms deal valued at approximately $142 billion.

This week’s discussions are expected to focus on various topics, including a potential Trump-branded real estate project in Saudi Arabia. However, the most significant issue on the table may be the possibility of Saudi Arabia normalizing relations with Israel, a move that would mark a major shift in Middle Eastern diplomacy.

The Saudis are reportedly interested in acquiring American F-35 fighter jets, which are currently only sold to Israel in the region. Securing these jets would enhance Saudi Arabia's military capabilities and alter the balance of power in the Middle East, particularly in relation to Iran. This potential arms deal could also challenge Israel's longstanding military advantage in the region.

Trump views Saudi Arabia as a crucial partner in his vision for the Abraham Accords, which he hopes to expand into a broader alliance among Middle Eastern nations. The recent conflict between Israel and Hamas has created a new context for these discussions, as Trump seeks to leverage the situation to achieve diplomatic breakthroughs.

Historically, Saudi Arabia has insisted on the establishment of a Palestinian state as a prerequisite for normalizing relations with Israel. However, the recognition of Palestine by several major nations earlier this year has complicated this dynamic. It remains unclear how this recognition has influenced Saudi Arabia's stance on the issue.

As the kingdom faces economic challenges, including a significant budget deficit and the costs associated with its ongoing conflict in Yemen, MBS is under pressure to find new avenues for economic growth. While Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in ambitious projects aimed at diversifying its economy, the success of these initiatives has been mixed.

In recent years, Saudi Arabia has also focused on becoming a leader in artificial intelligence, seeking to capitalize on technological advancements. A partnership with Israel, which has been recognized for its expertise in AI, could provide mutual benefits for both nations as they navigate a changing global economic landscape.

As the geopolitical landscape evolves, Trump aims to persuade bin Salman that aligning with Israel is in Saudi Arabia's best interest. The outcome of this visit could have lasting implications for U.S.-Saudi relations and the broader Middle East peace process. The discussions will likely center on how to move forward with the Abraham Accords and the potential for a new security pact between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia, which has been complicated by recent events.