ISLAMABAD: Recent developments in Saudi Arabia’s foreign and defensepolicies have raised concerns in Israeli media about emerging threats toIsrael’s security and American strategic interests in the Middle East.Analysts point to Riyadh’s efforts to build military alliances independentof the United States, including a mutual defense pact with Pakistan andpotential involvement in regional arms transfers, as signs of a shiftingbalance of power that could undermine traditional US-Israeli dominance.
The core of these concerns stems from Saudi Arabia’s Strategic MutualDefence Agreement with Pakistan, signed in September 2025. This pactincludes a collective defense clause, treating aggression against one as anattack on both, mirroring aspects of NATO’s framework. Israeli observersview this as Riyadh’s move to diversify security partnerships away fromexclusive reliance on Washington, especially amid uncertainties in UScommitments to Gulf allies.
Compounding these worries is Turkey’s reported advanced talks to join theSaudi-Pakistan arrangement, as detailed in Bloomberg reports from early2026. If realized, this trilateral setup would combine Saudi financialresources, Pakistan’s nuclear capabilities and military exports, andTurkey’s advanced armed forces. Such an alignment is sometimes described inregional commentary as an informal “Islamic NATO,” potentially creating acounterweight to US-led security architectures in the Middle East.
A key flashpoint involves Saudi Arabia’s alleged role in facilitating a$1.5 billion Pakistani arms deal to Sudan, reported by Reuters in January2026. The package reportedly includes 10 Karakoram-8 light attack aircraft,over 200 drones for reconnaissance and loitering munitions, and advancedair defense systems. This support aims to bolster Sudan’s armed forces intheir ongoing civil war against the Rapid Support Forces, a conflict thathas drawn in multiple external actors.
Sources indicate Saudi Arabia may be brokering or financing aspects of thistransaction, though accounts vary on direct funding versus politicalfacilitation. Retired Pakistani military officials have suggested Riyadh’sinvolvement aligns with its interest in stabilizing Sudan to secure Red Seatrade routes and counter rival influences, particularly from the UnitedArab Emirates, accused by Khartoum of backing the paramilitary group.
The Defense Post and The Media Line have highlighted how this arms infusioncould prolong Sudan’s conflict by empowering one side with superior aircapabilities. Critics argue it risks internationalizing the war, openingavenues for extremist elements, and disrupting global shipping lanesthrough the Red Sea, a vital artery for international trade alreadystrained by regional tensions.
From an Israeli perspective, these moves extend Saudi Arabia’s influence inthe Horn of Africa and Red Sea without US oversight. Empowering Sudan withdrones and aircraft is seen as part of a broader pattern where Riyadhmobilizes rhetoric and resources potentially confrontational toward Israel,especially amid stalled normalization efforts and ongoing Gaza-relatedstrains.
The emerging axis outside the American umbrella challenges the post-ColdWar order where Washington has underwritten Gulf security. By forgingindependent defense ties, Saudi Arabia reduces vulnerability to shifts inUS policy, such as debates over arms sales or regional priorities. Thisautonomy could erode Israel’s qualitative military edge if advancedtechnologies proliferate among new partners.
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Pakistan’s growing arms exports, including potential JF-17 fighter jets tovarious buyers, further amplify these dynamics. Discussions for a separatemulti-billion-dollar deal with Saudi Arabia itself, possibly convertingloans into procurements, underscore deepening military interdependence.Such transactions enhance Pakistan’s defense industry while giving Riyadhleverage in distant theaters.
Regional analysts note that Saudi actions in Sudan address perceivedthreats from proxy forces but risk entrenching divisions. The deal’s impactextends to Yemen, where Red Sea stability remains precarious, and broaderHorn of Africa rivalries. Prolonged conflict in Sudan could invite greaterinfiltration by non-state actors, indirectly affecting Israeli interests inmaritime security.
These developments reflect Saudi Arabia’s assertive foreign policy underCrown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, prioritizing strategic depth beyondtraditional alliances. While not explicitly anti-Israel in official terms,the independent axis raises alarms in Jerusalem about altered threatperceptions and diminished US leverage.
Ultimately, the reshaping of regional power through military pacts and armsfacilitation underscores a multipolar Middle East. Israel and the UnitedStates face the challenge of adapting to alliances that operate withgreater autonomy, potentially complicating efforts to maintain strategicbalance and counter shared adversaries.
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