Israel Courts New Alliances Amidst Shifting Mideast Dynamics

A new informal network of alliances is reportedly forming in the Middle East, centered around Israel and involving regional players who share concerns about Iran and the Houthi movement. This developing situation has drawn particular attention following the near-simultaneous presence of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and a high-ranking Libyan official in the United Arab Emirates.

According to Maariv, a plane carrying a representative believed to be Saddam Haftar, son of Libyan military leader Khalifa Haftar, landed in the UAE during Netanyahu's unannounced visit. Reports of a potential meeting between Netanyahu and Haftar emerged, though Israeli officials have denied this. A security source clarified that Netanyahu's meetings were exclusively with UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed, with no discussions held with the Libyan representative.

Middle East expert Yoni Ben-Menahem suggests these events are part of a broader regional realignment. He posits that countries and actors viewing Iran and the Houthis as threats are increasingly seeking ties with Israel, influenced by its demonstrated military and intelligence capabilities, particularly its air force and air defense systems.

Libya has emerged as a focal point in these geopolitical shifts. Israeli security agencies are monitoring potential Hamas activity outside its traditional bases in Turkey and Qatar, with Libya being considered as a possible location for new command and operational infrastructure. Haftar's control over eastern Libya and his regional connections make any association with his family significant, especially given the reports of his son's presence in the UAE during Netanyahu's visit.

Israeli defense officials are also considering the possibility that a significant Hamas presence in Libya could lead to further confrontation. Defense Minister Israel Katz has previously indicated that actions against Hamas might extend beyond Gaza and its known overseas operational centers.