Netanyahu publishes security map showing 'Sunni Diamond Alliance'

JERUSALEM — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has released a national security doctrine that includes a map of regional alliances, nine days before parliamentary elections, according to Turkish and Urdu-language media reports published on 20 October 2026.

The map shows Sudan, Eritrea, Yemen, Jordan, Syria, Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait as countries friendly to what it calls the "Sunni Diamond Alliance". It places Egypt within the alliance alongside Pakistan, Turkey and Saudi Arabia, according to BBC Urdu. The Mecca Alliance currently includes only Pakistan, Turkey and Saudi Arabia, BBC Urdu reported.

The Prime Minister's office said the doctrine favours pre-emptive action over limiting threats and relying on defence. Netanyahu told reporters that Israel would assess any potential for alliances. Asked about a possible conflict with Turkey, he said he hoped Israel would not enter direct confrontation with Turkey and that he was working toward that aim.

Former Turkish consul general Gülru Gezer said Egypt could join the Mecca Alliance, according to Turkish daily Türkiye Gazetesi. Gezer did not provide a source for this assessment.

Gadi Eisenkot, a leading opposition rival, called the doctrine "hollow". Yair Lapid, a former prime minister, said it appeared to have been produced with a free version of artificial intelligence. Both said it aimed to conceal the failure to prevent the 7 October attack.

The reports do not say how the map was prepared. Türkiye Gazetesi said the map was produced by the German-based Friedrich Ebert Stiftung, a claim not confirmed by other sources.

Background

Netanyahu has described the map as part of a shift away from limiting threats. The document was prepared with the support of Israel's National Security Council, according to BBC Urdu. Elections are scheduled for 27 October.