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'A Paper Tiger': Saudi Arabia is weaker than it appears, even after new defense pact, NSC head says

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Saudi Arabia, despite its wealth and weaponry, is militarily weak and struggles to manage its defense, according to former national security adviser Brig.-Gen. (res.) Prof. Jacob Nagel.
  • Nagel cited Saudi Arabia's difficulties in the war against the Houthis and its recent agreement with Iran as evidence of its insecurity and need for alternative alliances.
  • He suggested the new defense pact with Turkey and Pakistan is primarily a diplomatic maneuver to pressure the U.S. due to Saudi disappointment with American support.

Saudi Arabia's military capabilities are significantly weaker than its image suggests, even with substantial weaponry and financial resources, according to Brig.-Gen. (res.) Prof. Jacob Nagel, former head of the National Security Council. In an interview with 103FM, Nagel described the kingdom as a "paper tiger," highlighting its inability to effectively manage its own defense.

Saudi Arabia has a great deal of weaponry and a great deal of money, but militarily, it cannot manage to 'get through the day,'

— Brig.-Gen. (res.) Prof. Jacob NagelDescribing Saudi Arabia's military capabilities in an interview.

Nagel pointed to Saudi Arabia's struggles in its conflict with the Houthis as evidence of this weakness, despite possessing advanced military assets. He noted that the kingdom's economic situation also necessitates external assistance. "They have a great deal of weaponry and a great deal of money, but militarily, it cannot manage to 'get through the day,'" Nagel stated.

It understands that it is in serious trouble, both financially and in terms of security.

— Brig.-Gen. (res.) Prof. Jacob NagelExplaining Saudi Arabia's motivation for seeking new alliances.

The former adviser also referenced Saudi Arabia's recent agreement with Iran, interpreting it as a sign of fear and a feeling of exposure to Iranian threats and its regional militias. He expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of new defense pacts with Turkey and Pakistan, suggesting that these nations are unlikely to intervene militarily on Saudi Arabia's behalf.

All the talk about new alliances with Pakistan or Turkey should be taken with a very large grain of salt.

— Brig.-Gen. (res.) Prof. Jacob NagelExpressing skepticism about the new defense pact.

"All the talk about new alliances with Pakistan or Turkey should be taken with a very large grain of salt," Nagel stressed. He believes these diplomatic moves are intended to pressure the United States, as Saudi Arabia feels disappointed with American support, particularly regarding missile defense stockpiles. Nagel concluded that Saudi Arabia's sophisticated equipment is rendered ineffective due to a lack of practical application on the ground.

This is more of a diplomatic maneuver intended to put pressure on the American administration.

— Prof. NagelInterpreting the purpose of the defense agreement.
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Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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