Saudi Arabia Seeks Indirect Israeli Intelligence Aid Amid Yemen War Setbacks

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has made urgent requests for assistance from Middle Eastern nations, including an indirect appeal to Israel, following significant territorial losses to Houthi rebels in Yemen. Diplomatic sources revealed to Israel Hayom that direct requests were made to Gulf states and Egypt, while Israel was approached indirectly through the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) for intelligence and other aid to prevent the closure of the Bab el-Mandeb strait. The Saudi move comes after the Houthis captured the port city of Mocha and the strategic Jabal Zuqur island, gaining control of the vital shipping lane connecting the Red Sea to the Suez Canal. This potential blockade severely impacts the kingdom's oil exports, with Saudi Arabia emphasizing the global economic implications beyond their own conflict. Egypt, concerned about its Suez Canal revenues, supports Riyadh and has urged American assistance. Meanwhile, Pakistan and Turkey, despite recent defense pacts with Saudi Arabia, are limiting their involvement to mediation efforts, wary of escalation with Iran. The Trump administration has not committed to direct military aid but dispatched CENTCOM commander Brad Cooper to Saudi Arabia to assess the situation. Options under consideration include airstrikes against Houthi positions controlling the strait, contingent on the deployment of missile launchers and radar systems. Some Gulf states have criticized Saudi Arabia's handling of the war and past actions against militias supported by the UAE. For Israel, which has faced Houthi blockades impacting the port of Eilat for three years, the current crisis presents an opportunity for new regional dynamics. Despite concerns of renewed rocket fire, indirect and covert discussions regarding assistance are underway, potentially providing Prince Salman with leverage domestically and advancing normalization with Israel.