Saudi Arabia Seeks Israeli Intelligence Aid Amid Houthi Advances

Saudi Arabia has requested intelligence and other assistance from Israel due to the rapid advances of Houthi forces in Yemen, according to Israel Hayom. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reportedly conveyed this request to Jerusalem via the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), citing concerns over the strategic Bab el-Mandeb strait and the potential for a complete blockade of shipping in the Red Sea.

The Houthis, backed by Iran, have recently made significant gains on Yemen's west coast, reaching the Bab el-Mandeb strait, a crucial maritime passage connecting the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. This appeal to Israel follows two prior requests from Saudi Arabia to U.S. President Donald Trump for direct military intervention, which were reportedly denied.

Instead of direct military action, Washington offered Saudi Arabia enhanced intelligence sharing and targeting assistance. The U.S. administration is hesitant to become further entangled in conflicts, with its resources already strained by efforts to counter Iran. The opening of a new front against the Houthis could further deplete American military capacity.

Consequently, Saudi Arabia has begun seeking regional support, approaching Middle Eastern nations like Egypt and other Gulf states, and also reaching out to Israel through CENTCOM. The primary focus of this cooperation is on intelligence sharing and coordinating defense efforts. However, Saudi Arabia is reportedly preparing for independent action, with approximately 200 Saudi fighter jets placed on high alert for a potential large-scale operation against the Houthis, an operation being compared to Israeli air operations in Iran.