A new alliance is forming against Iran - what role Israel has received

A new system of unofficial ties is forming in the Middle East around Israel, involving countries that fear Iran and the Houthis. Attention was drawn by the almost simultaneous appearance of Netanyahu and a representative of Libya in the UAE. Orientalist Yoni Ben-Menachem links this process to Israel's demonstrated military and intelligence capabilities.

A new system of unofficial ties is forming in the Middle East around Israel, potentially involving countries and regional forces that fear Iran and the Houthis. Additional attention to these processes was drawn by the almost simultaneous appearance of Benjamin Netanyahu and a high-ranking representative of Libya in the UAE. According to Maariv, during Netanyahu's secret visit to the Emirates, an Airbus A319 that arrived from Benghazi landed there. According to an Italian source, this plane is usually used by Saddam Haftar, the son of influential Libyan military leader Khalifa Haftar. Subsequently, reports emerged of a possible meeting between Netanyahu and Haftar. The Israeli side denied them. Orientalist Yoni Ben-Menachem believes that what is happening should be viewed in a broader regional context. According to his assessment, ties are gradually forming around Israel with countries and other players who view Iran and the Houthis as a threat. Ben-Menachem links this process to Israel's demonstrated military and intelligence capabilities. Libya occupies a separate place in this picture. Israeli security structures are monitoring the possible movement of Hamas activity beyond its usual centers in Turkey and Qatar. According to assessments by the defense establishment, Hamas representatives may be seeking new countries to establish command and operational infrastructure, and Libya is considered among the possible destinations.