The story: Amid mixed signals about progress on Saudi normalization with Israel, prominent Gulf Arab voices and outlets highlight the need to put Palestine at the center of any deal. This comes as some Saudi commentators have expressed opposition against establishing formal ties with Tel Aviv, while nationalists in Riyadh amplify the positive impacts. Against this backdrop, the Saudi crown prince must tread carefully not to undermine his legitimacy at home as well as the Arab and Muslim worlds.

The coverage: The Wall Street Journal on Aug. 9 reported that the US had made progress on the “broad contours” of a deal with Saudi Arabia that would entail the Kingdom normalizing relations with Israel.

• Anonymous US officials were quoted as expressing “cautious optimism” that “in the next 9-12 months” they can achieve “the most momentous Middle East peace deal in a generation.”
  
  
• Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud (MbS) was claimed to have assured US officials that he is...