New Saudi-Led Defense Pact Tested, Shows Weakness in Yemen Conflict

A defense agreement signed just over a month ago in Mecca by Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan, which stipulates that an attack on one member is an attack on all, has been put to the test. Concerns had been raised in Israel that the pact might be directed against the Jewish state. The alliance's strength was challenged when Saudi Arabia engaged in military conflict with Yemen's Houthi rebels, supporting the internationally recognized Yemeni government with military equipment and conducting airstrikes. When the Houthis counterattacked, Riyadh requested assistance from its new allies.

Turkey and Pakistan publicly condemned the Houthi attacks and expressed support for Saudi Arabia but refrained from direct military intervention. This response has revealed the limitations of the Mecca pact. Following former U.S. President Trump's refusal to intervene, Saudi Arabia found itself in a difficult position, with new areas falling under Houthi control, including access to the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, a critical global shipping lane. The full consequences of this are yet to unfold.

The Saudi army and its allies in Yemen have demonstrated ineffectiveness against a more skilled and motivated adversary, despite significant financial investment. This moment of weakness for Riyadh, stemming from miscalculations in choosing regional allies, could potentially benefit Israel in the near future. Israel has proven itself a more reliable partner, as evidenced by its provision of Iron Dome batteries to the UAE, contrasting with the limited commitment from Turkey and Pakistan. However, Saudi Arabia faces psychological challenges in forming an alliance with the UAE due to years of regional influence competition.