Sun Feb 22 18:20:41 UTC 2026: ### Israel Seeks to Forge Regional Alliance Amidst Shifting Geopolitical Landscape

The Story:

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced plans to create a regional alliance, a “hexagon of nations,” comprised of countries including India, Greece, Cyprus, and other Arab, African, and Asian nations, united against what he termed “radical” adversaries. This announcement came alongside the news of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to Israel. Netanyahu identified both a “radical Shia axis” and an “emerging radical Sunni axis” as targets of this alliance, the latter seemingly referring to the Muslim Brotherhood. This initiative unfolds against a backdrop of strained relations between Israel and several predominantly Sunni Muslim states, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Key Points:

  • Benjamin Netanyahu aims to create a regional alliance (“hexagon of nations”) against “radical” elements.
  • India, Greece, and Cyprus are named as potential members of this alliance.
  • The alliance is intended to counter both a “radical Shia axis” and an “emerging radical Sunni axis.”
  • Relations between Israel and some Sunni Muslim states, including Turkiye and Saudi Arabia, have deteriorated.
  • The announcement comes amid stalled normalization efforts between Israel and Saudi Arabia.
  • The “Abraham Accords” of 2020 serve as a precedent for Israel’s efforts to strengthen regional ties.

Critical Analysis:

The timing of this announcement is crucial. With the Gaza conflict straining relations with key Sunni states like Saudi Arabia and Turkiye, Netanyahu is attempting to reframe the regional security architecture. The inclusion of India, a nation with strong ties to both Israel and many Arab countries, suggests an attempt to bridge divides and build a coalition based on shared security concerns rather than religious or ideological alignment. The explicit mention of both Shia and Sunni “radical axes” could be a strategic move to appeal to a broader range of nations threatened by perceived extremist elements.

Key Takeaways:

  • Israel is actively seeking to diversify its alliances beyond the Abraham Accords.
  • The Gaza conflict has significantly impacted Israel’s relations with some Sunni Muslim states.
  • Netanyahu is attempting to position Israel as a key player in a broader regional security framework against perceived extremist threats.
  • India’s role as a potential bridge between Israel and Arab nations is becoming increasingly significant.
  • The success of this “hexagon of nations” will depend on addressing the underlying tensions driving regional instability.

Impact Analysis:

The formation of this alliance, if successful, could have far-reaching implications for the Middle East. It could reshape the balance of power, potentially isolating states perceived as supporting “radical” elements. A strengthened Israeli-Indian partnership could also lead to increased cooperation in areas such as defense, technology, and trade. However, the alliance’s viability hinges on overcoming existing regional tensions and addressing concerns about Israeli policies towards Palestine. The long-term impact will depend on the ability of the participating nations to maintain a unified front and effectively address shared security challenges.

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