04.09.2026 07:00
The Israeli press has placed under scrutiny the Mecca Defense Alliance, reported to have been signed between Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan. While assessing that Syria's potential joining of the alliance could pose a serious threat to Israel, it was noted that possible membership would provide Damascus with military deterrence and could alter the balance of power in the region.
The defense agreement reportedly signed on August 7 in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, between Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan has made headlines in the Israeli press.
The report in the Israeli press assessed that following the conflicts in the region, some countries have taken security and defense steps for the new era.
AN ATTACK ON ONE COUNTRY WILL BE CONSIDERED AN ATTACK ON ALL THREE
The report noted that one of the most striking articles of the agreement stipulates that an attack on any of the three countries would be considered an attack on the other parties as well.
It was also stated that Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan emphasized that the agreement does not directly target any country, and its primary purpose is defense and deterrence.
ISRAEL'S EYE ON SYRIA
The issue particularly highlighted by the Israeli press was the possibility of Syria joining the agreement.
It was reported that during Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani's visit to Pakistan on August 19, he said the Damascus administration was evaluating the possibility of joining the agreement.
The report alleged that following this statement, Israeli security officials have been assessing scenarios that Syria's potential participation could create.
EMPHASIS ON DETERRENCE FOR SYRIA
The assessment in the Israeli press argued that Syria's inclusion in the trilateral agreement could provide the Damascus administration with significant military and political deterrence.
The report included the statements: "At this stage, it is unknown what decision will be made in Damascus, but questions are being raised about the possible consequences of Syria joining the trilateral agreement."
It was assessed that Syria's potential membership could create a new equation, particularly regarding Israel's military activities in Syrian territory.
"THE BIGGEST WINNER COULD BE TÜRKİYE"
Another noteworthy assessment in the report concerned Türkiye's position within the alliance. It was claimed that if Syria were also included in the agreement, Israel would be the losing side, while Türkiye could gain more compared to Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
It was also reported that some Syrian experts support Damascus joining the alliance and believe this could provide the country with strong military support.
WARNING TO ISRAEL ABOUT TÜRKİYE
Finally, the report in the Israeli press drew attention to the fact that Türkiye's position in the alliance could be decisive regarding Syria.
It included the assessment that the Israeli administration should avoid statements and steps that could further escalate regional tensions at a time when tensions with Türkiye are increasing.