Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu unveiled plans for a “hexagon of alliances” on Sunday, naming India as a key partner in a regional bloc intended to counter what he described as “radical axes” in the Middle East, just days before Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled visit to Israel.
Netanyahu outlined the proposed alliance as a framework to address threats posed by both Shia and Sunni extremist groups, identifying Greece and Cyprus as additional core members. He indicated the potential inclusion of other Arab, African, and Asian states, though specific nations were not named, according to statements released by the Israeli foreign office on February 22.
The initiative coincides with heightened tensions in the region, including escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, and a recently formed Saudi Arabia-Pakistan pact, described as a NATO-like alliance, with Turkey reportedly seeking to join. Netanyahu framed the “hexagon” as a strategic response to these developments.
Prime Minister Modi is expected to arrive in Israel on February 25 for a two-day state visit, his second to the country and the first in nearly nine years. Discussions between the two leaders are anticipated to focus on regional and global issues of mutual interest, as well as cooperation in high-tech sectors like artificial intelligence, quantum computing, cybersecurity, and semiconductors, according to India’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
While Netanyahu has publicly positioned India as a cornerstone of the alliance, analysts suggest Latest Delhi is likely to maintain a pragmatic approach. India traditionally adheres to a non-aligned foreign policy and may be hesitant to formally commit to an alliance based on ideological lines, despite its growing strategic partnership with Israel.
Israel has been strengthening ties with Greece and Cyprus in recent years, particularly in the areas of energy and defense. In 2025, Greece approved the purchase of 36 PULS rocket artillery systems from Israel for approximately $760 million, and discussions are underway regarding a further defense package valued at $3.5 billion. However, both Greece and Cyprus are members of the International Criminal Court (ICC), which has issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu related to alleged war crimes in Gaza, potentially creating legal and political obstacles to deeper cooperation.
Some observers question the feasibility of the “hexagon” as a formal alliance, suggesting it may be more of a strategic messaging effort. Andreas Krieg, a professor of security studies at King’s College London, characterized the concept as a way to “package existing relationships and partnerships to look like a new strategic bloc” rather than a NATO-like structure.
Analysts also point to domestic political pressures facing Netanyahu, including ongoing judicial reform controversies and corruption investigations, as potential motivations for the alliance proposal. The initiative could be seen as an attempt to demonstrate that Israel is not diplomatically isolated ahead of potential elections, according to Israeli political analyst Ori Goldberg, who noted that Israel’s deteriorating international image due to the ongoing conflict makes securing concrete support for such an alliance challenging.
As of Tuesday, February 24, no government beyond Israel has publicly endorsed the “hexagon” alliance or its framing of regional dynamics. Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to address the Knesset during his visit, and the outcome of discussions between the two leaders regarding the proposed alliance remains to be seen.