Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s “Hexagon Initiative”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that in his statements in February 2026 he proposed a new regional cooperation model encompassing the Middle East and its surroundings. This model has been described by Netanyahu as the “hexagon of alliances.” The initiative envisions the establishment of a multilayered alliance system located around or within the Middle East.

Netanyahu stated that the proposed structure would position itself against what he termed “radical axes.” In this context, he used the concepts of both the “radical Shia axis” and the “emerging radical Sunni axis,” indicating that the proposed hexagonal structure would consist of countries uniting on a common strategic assessment platform against these two axes.

Netanyahu declared that the hexagonal model would include Israel, India, Greece and the Greek Cypriot Administration; he also indicated that certain Arab, African and Asian countries could be incorporated into this structure. However, no concrete list identifying which Arab and African countries would be included has been made public.

The alliance aims to bring together countries that conduct joint security assessments and define regional threats in similar terms. Netanyahu has not provided a clear framework on whether this structure would constitute a binding defense pact akin to NATO; the proposal is instead formulated more as a systematic consolidation of existing bilateral and multilateral relationships.

One of the central concepts in Netanyahu’s statements is the “radical Shia axis.” This term refers to a network of actors associated with Iran, including Hezbollah and the Houthi movement in Yemen. It has been noted that Israel has conducted military operations in recent years against elements linked to this structure.

In addition, Netanyahu referred to the “emerging radical Sunni axis.” However, it has been reported that Sunni-majority states in the region do not form a single ideological bloc; rather, they have developed diplomatic coordination against Israel’s regional policies. In this context, various regional countries have issued joint statements and expressed diplomatic opposition to certain Israeli actions.

Netanyahu presented Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to Israel as a key component of the hexagon initiative. It was reported that during the visit, cooperation in defense production, advanced technology, artificial intelligence and quantum computing is planned to be deepened.

Netanyahu stated that Israel-India relations have strengthened in recent years in economic, diplomatic and security domains; he indicated that this axis would be integrated into a broader regional alliance system. It was also noted that Modi’s address to the Knesset carries symbolic and diplomatic significance within this framework.

At the same time, it has been noted that India has historically adhered to a policy of non-alignment and maintains relationships with multiple global actors simultaneously. This situation creates uncertainty regarding the possibility of India’s full institutional integration into the hexagon model.

The trilateral mechanism between Israel, Greece and Southern Cyprus, which has been active since 2016, began in the fields of energy and connectivity and has since expanded to include security and defense cooperation. This collaboration was reaffirmed at the trilateral summit held at the end of 2025.

It has been reported that Greece has purchased rocket artillery systems from Israel and is engaged in broader air defense cooperation talks. Southern Cyprus is also said to have acquired Israeli-made air defense systems.

However, it has been stated that these countries prioritize security and energy dynamics in the Eastern Mediterranean and do not consider participation in a broader Middle East-centered bloc as a primary objective.

Shortly after the announcement of the hexagon initiative, Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s official visit to Ethiopia attracted attention. This visit was interpreted as part of Israel’s effort to enhance its diplomatic engagement in Africa.

Historical ties between Ethiopia and Israel have been noted, particularly through social and demographic connections via the Beta Israel community. It has also been reported that Ethiopia is among the countries supporting Israel’s observer status application to the African Union.

However, Ethiopia has adopted a cautious stance due to its position on the Somaliland issue, regional balance policies and relations with neighboring countries. It has been reported that Israel’s decision to recognize Somaliland has been criticized by the African Union and several regional countries.

The Pakistani Senate condemned Netanyahu’s “hexagon of alliances” remarks, stating that the proposed structure could threaten regional peace and stability. The Senate resolution noted that certain Israeli regional steps were viewed as violations of sovereignty, particularly opposing the recognition of Somaliland.

Additionally, it has been reported that some African and Muslim countries objected to Israel’s decision regarding Somaliland and expressed the view that this move contradicts Somalia’s territorial integrity.

At the time Netanyahu announced the hexagon initiative, Israel was experiencing increasing tensions with Iran; it was reported that Israel’s security cabinet held meetings to evaluate possible scenarios. Israeli media indicated that U.S.-Iran negotiations had entered a critical phase and that regional military activity had intensified.

During the same period, Netanyahu faced legal proceedings at the international level and various domestic political pressures. In this context, the hexagon initiative was said to aim at reducing Israel’s perception of diplomatic isolation and establishing new multilateral cooperation channels.