In an analysis for The Zioneer, Amit Segal argues that the tripartite Mecca Defense Pact, signed between Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan, has proven ineffective against Houthi threats. He contrasts insufficient responses from Turkey and the United States with Israel's quiet intelligence-sharing and military capabilities, concluding that Riyadh is increasingly turning to Jerusalem for security cooperation.
Amit Segal, writing in The Zioneer, offers a strategic assessment of the tripartite Mecca Defense Pact signed in August 2026 among Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan. Segal contends that the agreement has proven short-lived and ineffectual, especially after Houthi missiles and drones struck four Saudi cities last week, wounding 73 civilians and halting energy operations. Turkey, a signatory, responded only with verbal condemnation and a call for ceasefire, according to Segal.
Segal contrasts this with Israel's role. He states that Israel has publicly committed to sharing intelligence on the Houthis and suspects deeper cooperation exists. He notes that Riyadh requested US strikes on the Houthis but was rebuffed by President Trump, and while CENTCOM convened a regional meeting in Germany that included Israel, military competence was undercut by political mixed messaging.
The analysis concludes that Saudi Arabia's fear has never been US military capability but political will. Turkey and the US have proven unreliable, while Israel, sharing an enemy in Iran and possessing proven reach against the Houthis, is emerging as the kingdom's most consistent security partner. Segal's assessment follows earlier Zioneer coverage that questioned the pact's substance after a Houthi drone strike on a Saudi Aramco refinery days after the signing.
3 developments
- StrongSaudi Arabia signals possible large-scale military operation against Houthis, US official says
- StrongBloomberg: Saudi Arabia requests UK diplomatic and military aid against Houthis
- StrongNews 14: Saudi Arabia 'desperate' for Israeli help against Houthis; China, Russia assist Iran
- DevelopingSaudi Arabia confirms bin Salman, Trump push for Middle East calm, warn against wider war
Source and signal
- Open-source intake