Major War

( Israeli Spy Mentions These Two Top Muslim Countries For Its Next Major War)

ISLAMABAD: Convicted Israeli spy Jonathan Pollard has called for Israel to prepare for its next major war, identifying Türkiye and Egypt as probable adversaries.

Pollard, who served 30 years in US prison for passing classified information to Israel, made the remarks in recent interviews and writings.

He emphasised the need for Israel to build readiness against shifting threats in the Eastern Mediterranean and beyond.

**Pollard Background and Recent Comments**

Jonathan Pollard, now residing in Israel, has re-entered public discourse after announcing political ambitions, including a potential Knesset run. His comments highlight preparation for conflicts involving Türkiye due to maritime disputes and Egypt over Gaza-related issues.

In earlier statements, Pollard referenced broader regional dynamics, with some Israeli officials previously identifying Pakistan or Türkiye as longer-term concerns. Pakistani sources described such references as speculative and not indicative of current policy.

A Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson reiterated Islamabad’s commitment to regional stability and opposition to provocative rhetoric that escalates tensions.

**Key Context and Statements**

Pollard’s analysis appeared in outlets discussing Eastern Mediterranean control. He advocated strengthening alliances with Greece and Cyprus while addressing perceived Turkish provocations in energy exploration and naval activities.

Reports indicate Pollard suggested Israel must move beyond current operations in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran towards decisive future preparedness. Specific casualty or operational figures from ongoing conflicts were not directly tied to his latest remarks.

Israeli military spending reached approximately $24.4 billion in 2024, representing around 5.3 percent of GDP. This figure underscores sustained investment in capabilities relevant to multi-front scenarios.

**Regional Reactions**

Turkish officials have dismissed similar Israeli assessments as inflammatory. Egypt maintains strong military cooperation with the US while managing border security near Gaza, where over 1,400 Israeli deaths occurred in the October 2023 Hamas attack and subsequent operations.

Pakistani diplomatic circles expressed concern over any narrative framing Muslim-majority states as inevitable adversaries. Pakistan’s military maintains a defence budget of around $10-12 billion annually, focused on conventional and strategic deterrence.

Analysts noted Pollard’s history: convicted in 1987 for espionage, he provided Israel with intelligence on Arab states, Pakistan, and Soviet capabilities during the 1980s. His release and relocation to Israel in 2020 followed decades of lobbying.

**Background on Israel-Pakistan Dynamics**

Pakistan does not recognise Israel and has consistently supported Palestinian statehood. Bilateral tensions stem from Israel’s ties with India, including defence sales exceeding $2 billion in recent years.

Pollard’s past handlers reportedly sought data on Pakistani nuclear and military programmes. Pakistani officials have long viewed such activities as hostile intelligence efforts.

Current regional flashpoints include Gaza reconstruction estimates exceeding $90 billion and Eastern Mediterranean gas disputes involving Türkiye, Egypt, Israel, and Cyprus. Trade volumes between Türkiye and Pakistan reached $1.2 billion in FY2024-25, reflecting growing economic links.

**Security and Diplomatic Implications**

Pakistani military sources confirmed continued monitoring of Middle East developments. PAF and Pakistan Army maintain high readiness levels, with recent joint exercises emphasising multi-domain operations.

Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar’s office stressed diplomatic engagement through OIC and bilateral channels to de-escalate rhetoric. Egypt and Türkiye have strengthened coordination on Palestinian issues, with Cairo hosting mediation efforts.

Market reactions remained measured. Oil prices hovered near $75 per barrel amid uncertainty, while regional defence stocks showed minor fluctuations.

**Strategic Angle**

The remarks highlight persistent Israeli strategic thinking on potential multi-axis challenges. For Pakistan, they underscore the importance of strategic autonomy and alliances with Türkiye through enhanced defence cooperation, including joint ventures in aviation and armour.

Future developments may depend on outcomes in Gaza, where displacement figures exceed 1.9 million, and Eastern Mediterranean negotiations. Questions remain on whether such statements influence Israeli policy or reflect fringe positions.

Pakistan continues to prioritise economic stability, with GDP growth targeted at 3.5-4 percent for FY2026, alongside diplomatic efforts to prevent wider regional conflict. Evolving dynamics will require careful calibration of responses acro