The Formation of an “Arab NATO”?

Israel’s recent attack on Hamas officials in Qatar has prompted a united Arab response (RTE, September 10, 2025). The Arab nations often possess competing agendas, but this attack and Israel’s subsequent threat to strike Hamas “anywhere” may be prompting increased coordination. Arab nations recently considered the idea of an “Arab NATO” that could form a rapid-reaction force capable of “shield[ing] member states from external threats, particularly Israel” (Middle East Eye, September 20, 2025).

Last week, Arab nations held a summit in Doha, Qatar, to discuss Israel’s recent action and the possibilities of a united Arab response. At the summit, Egypt presented a proposal for a “NATO-style” Arab defense force. Egypt’s proposal was blocked by the UAE and Qatar, and representatives from Egypt and Saudi Arabia disagreed on which nation should lead such an organization, with each seeing their own nations as best suited for the top job. In further discussions, the Gulf states decided to exclude Turkey and Iran from a future combined Arab defense organization. The outcome of this summit, much to the frustration of Egypt, was a relatively toothless statement condemning Israel’s actions and declaring support for Gaza. Just days later, Saudi Arabia signed a mutual defense treaty with nuclear-armed Pakistan.

Will the recent summit be the last we hear of an Arab NATO or something very similar? According to Bible prophecy, a confederacy of Arab nations will form in opposition to Israel and the other Israelite nations at the end of the age (Psalm 83:2–8). Eventually, many of these same nations will even fight against the German-led European “beast” power (Daniel 11:40–44). And the actions of this alliance of Arab nations will be both defensive and offensive. The Bible calls this united Arab force that will ultimately emerge the “king of the South.” Major changes are underway in the Middle East and North Africa, and you can learn more about where all this will lead by reading or listening to The Middle East in Prophecy.