Israel Warns New Saudi-Turk-Pakistan Defense Pact May Expand Against It

A senior Israeli official expressed concern over the recently signed defense agreement between Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan, warning that the pact, known as the "Makkah Joint Defense Agreement," is directed against Israel. The official told Ynet on Monday that the alliance, which could soon include Egypt, poses a strategic threat to Israel rather than Iran, despite claims to the contrary. The agreement was finalized last Friday in Makkah during a meeting between Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, following nearly a year of negotiations.

Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan described the pact as similar to NATO's Article 5, where an attack on one member is considered an attack on all. The alliance will feature a ministerial committee and a general secretariat based in Saudi Arabia. Pakistani officials highlighted that the agreement enhances all aspects of security cooperation, including joint military exercises, intelligence sharing, and technological collaboration. Following the signing, Pakistan's Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif condemned Israel and urged the Islamic world to unite against the perceived Israeli threat.

The Israeli official emphasized that the strengthening of this Sunni axis necessitates Israel to forge alternative alliances, particularly with the Hellenic axis of Greece and Cyprus, as well as India and the United Arab Emirates. The official expressed skepticism about the alliance's stated focus on Iran, suggesting its true target is Israel. This development reflects shifting regional dynamics, with the Sunni bloc gaining influence as the Shiite axis weakens.