Toward an “Arab NATO”? Doha Summit revives military alliance debate

Following Israel’s failed attempt to assassinate Hamas leaders in Doha, Arab states are once again weighing the creation of a joint military force modeled after NATO. The proposal, originally floated by Egypt in 2015 during the Houthi takeover of much of Yemen, stalled at the time due to concerns over sovereignty, conflicting interests, and the complexities of command structures.

Renewed Momentum Amid Regional Escalation

The latest Israeli strikes across the region, coupled with questions about the extent of U.S. protection for Gulf Arab nations, have revived discussions. As leaders meet in Doha, the proposal has returned to the table, though its prospects remain uncertain given the longstanding political and strategic divides within the Arab League’s 22 members.

Structure and Ambitions of the Force

The envisioned alliance would include naval, air, and ground units contributed by Arab League states, alongside a special operations contingent specializing in counterterrorism and commando missions. Command would rotate among member states, supported by a chief-of-staff from one of the participating nations and a civilian secretary-general. A central planning council would oversee training, logistics, and efforts to unify weapons systems.

Egypt, a principal backer of the plan, is lobbying for the headquarters to be established in Cairo, home to the Arab League’s secretariat, and for an Egyptian officer to assume the first command. Proponents argue that such a force could respond to regional security threats, terrorist attacks, and broader challenges to Arab stability.

Beyond the Arab League

While Arab states have conducted joint military exercises and maintained a joint defense pact for decades, no initiative of this scale has ever materialized. The concept also faces external pressure: Iranian cleric Jalal Razavi-Mehr has called for an even broader Islamic force, extending beyond Arab League membership.

Unanswered Questions

With deliberations ongoing in Doha, it remains unclear whether the proposal will gain meaningful traction or fade, as in previous attempts. For now, the idea of an “Arab NATO” reflects both the urgency of current regional tensions and the enduring difficulty of forging unified Arab military structures.