Mon Feb 23 16:14:52 UTC 2026: ### Netanyahu’s “Hexagon of Alliances” Faces Skepticism Amidst Growing Isolation

The Story:

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has proposed a new regional alliance, dubbed a “hexagon of alliances,” envisioning a coalition of Israel, India, Greece, Cyprus, and unnamed Arab, African, and Asian states to counter what he describes as “radical” Sunni and Shia axes. This initiative comes as Israel faces increasing international isolation and domestic pressures, including ongoing corruption trials and social unrest. Analysts suggest Netanyahu’s plan is more of a branding exercise to project statesmanship amidst mounting internal and external challenges, rather than a concrete, deliverable alliance.

Key Points:

  • Netanyahu outlined plans for a “hexagon of alliances” including Israel, India, Greece, Cyprus, and unspecified Arab, African, and Asian states.
  • The proposed alliance aims to counter “radical Shia axis” and “emerging radical Sunni axis.”
  • No government has publicly endorsed the plan, and Greece and Cyprus, named by Netanyahu, are members of the ICC which has an arrest warrant for him.
  • Analysts view the initiative as a “branding exercise” to mask Israel’s diplomatic isolation and domestic troubles.
  • Several Sunni-majority states have coordinated diplomatically in response to Israel’s regional actions.
  • India, while maintaining friendly relations with Israel, is unlikely to commit to rigid bloc politics due to its Non-Aligned Movement history and extensive ties across the Gulf.
  • Netanyahu faces domestic legal troubles and pressure over judicial reforms and military service recruitment.
  • Israel’s economy is facing strain with business closures rising and credit agencies downgrading outlooks.

Critical Analysis:

The timing of Netanyahu’s proposal is crucial. Facing domestic legal challenges and growing international condemnation, he likely seeks to project an image of strength and diplomatic prowess. The “hexagon” initiative can be interpreted as an attempt to demonstrate that Israel is not isolated and can still forge meaningful partnerships, even as Saudi normalization faces political hurdles. Moreover, framing the Middle East as an axis-versus-axis conflict serves to reinforce Netanyahu’s long-standing narrative of Israel as a bulwark against regional threats, potentially galvanizing support within his base.

Key Takeaways:

  • Netanyahu’s “hexagon of alliances” is met with skepticism due to Israel’s international isolation and his domestic challenges.
  • The proposal is likely a strategic move to project statesmanship and counter the perception of diplomatic isolation.
  • Regional dynamics indicate a growing coordination among Sunni-majority states against Israeli actions, rather than the formation of a unified “Sunni axis.”
  • India’s pragmatic foreign policy makes its full commitment to Netanyahu’s vision unlikely.
  • The initiative highlights Israel’s economic vulnerabilities and the need to demonstrate alternatives to Saudi normalization.

Impact Analysis:

The long-term impact of Netanyahu’s proposal is limited, given the lack of concrete commitments and the existing geopolitical realities. However, his rhetoric risks exacerbating regional polarization and providing ammunition for Israel’s rivals. The initiative could also complicate India’s balanced approach to the Middle East, potentially drawing it further into regional conflicts. Ultimately, the “hexagon of alliances” is more likely to be remembered as a symbolic gesture of defiance amidst growing challenges, rather than a transformative shift in regional alliances.

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