Israel alarmed as Saudi Arabia pursues new regional axis to counter Its Influence

Saudi Arabia is actively reshaping its regional diplomacy to counterbalance Israel’s growing assertiveness, moving away from normalization and instead building closer strategic ties with key Muslim nations. The shift comes amid heightened concerns over Israel's military aggression, including its recent strikes on Qatar—a major U.S. ally in the Gulf—and its ongoing actions in Gaza.

Forming a Counterbalancing Regional Bloc

Reports in Israeli media indicate Riyadh is working to form a new regional axis that includes Turkey, Iran, Qatar, Egypt, and Pakistan. This move is seen as a direct response to what Saudi policymakers view as Israel’s destabilizing behavior. By engaging Iran in dialogue, finalizing a defense agreement with Pakistan, and normalizing relations with Qatar and Turkey, Saudi Arabia is signaling a clear departure from the U.S.-backed normalization track with Israel unless a Palestinian state is established.

Containing Israeli Influence Through Regional Moves

Saudi Arabia’s recent actions are interpreted as part of a strategy to limit Israel’s operational reach. This includes military operations in Yemen targeting the separatist Southern Transitional Council—a group seen as aligned with the UAE and indirectly supportive of Israeli interests—as well as bolstering political and economic support for the Syrian government. Additionally, Riyadh’s decision to launch direct civilian flights to Mogadishu, Somalia, reinforces its intent to secure influence in the Horn of Africa, a region where Israel has also sought to expand its presence.

Strained Ties with the UAE and Focus on Turkey

A notable aspect of this reorientation is Saudi Arabia’s increasingly critical stance toward the United Arab Emirates. Riyadh has accused Abu Dhabi of “uncontrolled adventurism” in Yemen, Sudan, and the Horn of Africa, and of acting as a “carrier column” that extends Israel’s influence in the region. In contrast, Saudi Arabia is elevating its partnership with Turkey, viewing Ankara as an indispensable diplomatic and security actor, particularly in coordinating policies in Sudan and Somalia.

A Multilayered Containment Strategy

Analysts assess that Saudi Arabia is pursuing a sophisticated, layered containment policy against Israel. By mobilizing a coalition of regional states with significant political, military, and demographic weight, Riyadh aims not only to restrict Israel’s freedom of action but also to position itself as a central architect of a new regional order. This strategy reflects a calculated move to reject the chaotic dynamics fueled by Israeli aggression and to reclaim Saudi leadership in shaping Middle Eastern stability.