Israeli PM Advisor Warns of Strategic Deception Against Israel Involving Arab States

On January 6, 2026, Jonathan Orich, advisor to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, sparked a new political and security controversy by clarifying that a reported peace trap against Israel does not involve Egypt. The clarification followed a report by Kan 11 about a regional state allegedly proposing to another Arab country to sign a peace agreement with Israel as a tactical ruse to lull Israel while preparing for war. This revelation has raised fears in Jerusalem of a sophisticated and dangerous deception similar to the 2018 Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar’s misleading statements, which contributed to the October 7, 2023, surprise attack.

Israeli security officials warn that this time the threat may come from a well-equipped, regular army of an Arab state. According to N12, Israeli political and security leadership has held dramatic intelligence for months about high-level talks where an Arab leader suggested signing a peace deal with Israel solely as a tactical move, planning to launch military action when strategically advantageous. Israel is fully aware of these discussions, while the involved states remain unaware that Sudan’s role has been exposed.

This intelligence has already influenced Israel’s political and security posture, casting doubt on American efforts to expand the Abraham Accords and reshape regional diplomacy. The development coincides with structural shifts in regional power, including a recently signed "Mecca Agreement", a tripartite defense pact between Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan, which treats an attack on one as an attack on all. Although Turkey seeks to reassure Iran that the pact is not directed against it, Ankara has proposed including Egypt, a move that could dramatically alter Israel’s threat landscape.