What threat does the Pakistan-Saudi-Turkey alliance pose to Israel - opinion

Dr. Yoel Guzansky, a former member of Israel's National Security Council, assessed the alliance between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey. He noted the uncertainty and unnaturalness of the alliance, the weakness of Pakistan-Turkey ties, and the partnership's dependence on Riyadh's financial support. The expert stressed that this is not a formal alliance against Israel, but Saudi Arabia's involvement could distance it from Israel.

Dr. Yoel Guzansky, a former member of Israel's National Security Council and senior research fellow at INSS, commented to Ynet on the new alliance between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey. He noted that significant uncertainty surrounds this grouping, as its members do not represent a natural alliance. The initial agreement between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan was signed last September, but problems emerged even then: Pakistan sent troops to the kingdom only after a ceasefire with Iran, and the alliance did not help Saudi Arabia during Iranian attacks. Islamabad sent signals to Iran that could be seen as indirect threats, but it considered its mediating role. The partnership between Riyadh and Islamabad depends on circumstances and financial support: after the deployment of Pakistani troops, information emerged about a payment of $3 billion. Pakistan stationed about 8,000 military personnel, fighter jets, drones, and air defense systems in Saudi Arabia. Guzansky called the alliance between Riyadh and Turkey unnatural due to mutual suspicions. He considers Pakistan-Turkey relations the weakest link. The alliance arose situationally against the backdrop of Iran's weakening and Israel's strengthening, and is intended to balance the regional balance of power. The expert stressed that this is not a formal alliance against Israel, although Turkey and Pakistan hold anti-Israeli positions. Saudi Arabia's participation could distance it from Israel and push it toward a tougher stance.