Tel Aviv, Israel, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced plans to form a network of allied countries in and around the Middle East to stand together against what he called “radical” threats. His remarks came ahead of a visit by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whom Netanyahu described as a key partner in the initiative.
Vision of a “Hexagon” of Alliances
Netanyahu said the alliance could include Greece, Cyprus, and several other nations across Arab, African, and Asian regions. “We want to create an axis of nations that share the same goals against the radical axes, both the radical Shia axis and the emerging radical Sunni axis,” he said, according to the Times of Israel.
While Netanyahu did not elaborate on the “emerging radical Sunni axis,” he has previously pointed to the Muslim Brotherhood as a key element. Analysts say this indicates Israel is trying to create a wide network to counter threats from both Shia and Sunni groups in the region.
India and Israel Friendship Strengthened
Prime Minister Modi highlighted the growing bond between India and Israel. “India values its friendship with Israel, built on trust, innovation, and a shared commitment to peace and progress,” Modi wrote on X. He noted that the two countries cooperate in technology, defense, trade, and innovation, signaling deeper strategic ties.
Rising Tensions in the Middle East
Netanyahu’s announcement comes amid Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza, which has weakened the Iran-led “axis of resistance,” including Hezbollah in Lebanon. Last June, Israel and Iran clashed directly in a 12-day war, with the US military reportedly targeting Iranian nuclear sites.
At the same time, Israel’s relations with Sunni-majority nations have soured. Turkey, led by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has criticized Israel’s attacks on Gaza, while Saudi Arabia has accused Israel of genocide.
Normalization Talks Facing Roadblocks
Efforts to normalize relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia appear to be slowing. Israeli recognition of Somaliland and moves toward annexation in the West Bank have angered the kingdom. However, Israel maintains strong ties with countries under the Abraham Accords, such as the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Morocco.
The Emerging Sunni Threat
While Netanyahu did not detail the “emerging radical Sunni axis,” analysts believe it signals Israel’s concern over growing Sunni extremist groups and their influence in the region. Observers warn that this rhetoric may further polarize tensions between Israel and several Muslim-majority nations.
Strategic Vision for Regional Power
Netanyahu’s plan reflects Israel’s broader goal to strengthen its influence in the Middle East. By building alliances with nations that share security and political objectives, Israel hopes to counter both Shia and Sunni threats while expanding diplomatic, economic, and technological ties. Experts say this could reshape the regional balance of power in the coming years.
