New Middle East Defense Pact Between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey Raises Concerns for Israel

A new defense alliance has been formed between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey, marking a significant shift in regional dynamics. This pact declares that an attack on any one member will be considered an attack on all three, signaling a potential strategic encirclement of Iran from multiple directions. However, the alliance also poses emerging risks for Israel.

The Saudi move reflects disappointment with the United States, which has failed to protect Gulf allies or prevent maritime blockades, such as the closure of the Bab al-Mandab Strait by Houthi forces. Saudi Arabia may be seeking military support from Turkey, which has a significant presence in nearby Somalia. Turkish Foreign Minister has indicated plans to expand the alliance, notably aiming to include Egypt, potentially creating pressure on Israel from the south and complicating Israeli-Egyptian relations. Jordan might also be invited, potentially forming a "ring of fire" around Israel.

Turkey’s increasingly hostile rhetoric toward Israel, including threats and provocations, suggests a readiness for more direct military challenges, possibly in Syria where Turkey supports the Assad regime. Turkey could demand deployment of missile defense systems in southern Syria, complicating Israeli air operations and potentially provoking military responses. Turkey’s naval strength could also enable it to enforce a maritime blockade on Israel in response to the Gaza siege, risking direct conflict if the US does not intervene.

Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal adds another layer of threat, with possibilities of nuclear intimidation or assistance to Saudi Arabia and Turkey in developing nuclear capabilities. The article suggests Israel should strengthen its existing alliance with Greece and Cyprus as a counterbalance, seek a US- and EU-backed agreement with Syria to limit Turkish military presence, and engage NATO countries to address the risks posed by Turkey’s actions.

This new tripartite alliance represents a potential threat to Israel comparable to that posed by Iran, reshaping the security landscape in the Middle East.