Mecca defense pact among Saudi, Pakistan and Turkiye reframes Middle East security

Israel has not officially responded to the Mecca Joint Defence Pact signed by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkiye, a mutual‑defense pledge analysts say could shift regional power dynamics and reduce reliance on the US, complicating Israel’s security calculus ahead of elections. Turkey is viewed as a growing threat, Saudi Arabia remains cautious about normalization, and Pakistan does not recognize Israel; Netanyahu may frame the pact for electoral purposes while weighing implications for actions in Lebanon and Syria.