Israeli Official Says Mecca Defense Pact Is Aimed at Israel

An Israeli official said Monday that the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement signed by Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan is aimed at Israel and is causing concern in Jerusalem. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said the pact is effectively identical to NATO's Article 5, under which an attack on one member is treated as an attack on all. The Israeli official said Israel should deepen alternative partnerships with Greece, Cyprus, India and the United Arab Emirates, while building greater military strength. The official also said Egypt could join the pact and expressed skepticism that the alliance is primarily directed against Iran.