Saudi Arabia and Egypt have put together a coalition of Sunni Arab states to stop the takeover of Yemen by the Iranian-backed Houthis. This effort, write Gallia Lindenstrauss and Yoel Guzansky, is part of a larger attempt to create an alliance that will counter expanding Iranian influence. But the coalition’s newest prospective partner is Turkey, a problematic supporter of Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood:
Saudi Arabia has outlawed the Muslim Brotherhood, but reports indicate that the new king is considering a more open approach to Hamas, a derivative of the Brotherhood—with the objective of bringing it into the anti-Iranian alliance in formation. The possible softening of Saudi Arabia’s position vis-à-vis the Muslim Brotherhood is a good basis for improving relations between Turkey and the kingdom. However, it is too early to see any change in [the Egyptian governments’] hostility to the Brotherhood. . . .
An improved relationship between Saudi Arabia and Turkey, even if it is intended to curb Iran’s strengthening position in the region, is not necessarily a positive development for Israel. In light of the crisis between Israel and Turkey, Ankara’s entry into the Saudi-led Sunni coalition can increase the points of friction between the coalition and Israel. The pragmatic relationship that aligned Israel with the moderate Sunni states can be harmed, unless Israel and Saudi Arabia understand how to maintain the delicate channel of quiet coordination between them.
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