In a significant regional development, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Pakistan have forged a new defense alliance, the Mecca Joint Defence Pact, raising uncertainty about Israel's response. The agreement was signed on Friday, with key provisions stating that any attack against one member state will be considered an attack on all three. This pact is perceived as a challenge to Israeli expansionism in the region, particularly given Turkiye and Pakistan's criticisms of Israel's actions towards Palestine. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, a country Israel has been seeking to normalize relations with, is viewed as less concerning by Israeli leadership. The new defense pact is seen as a response to US-Israeli conflicts in the region, reflecting a lack of trust in the US and its ability or willingness to protect Middle Eastern allies. As Israel heads towards elections in October, the pact may serve as a strategic tool for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has been vocal about blocking US F-35 jet sales to Turkiye, potentially using it to bolster his security credentials.