Saudi Arabia's Military Spending Fails to Deter Houthi Advances, Expert Warns

Despite investing billions in its military, Saudi Arabia is struggling to counter Houthi advances, particularly in the Bab el-Mandeb strait, according to Dr. Michal Yaari. She highlighted a "paradox of power," where a militarily strong nation is not necessarily winning against adversaries it underestimated for years, leading to the disruption of key Middle Eastern states.

Yaari explained that groups like the Houthis, while supported by Iran politically and economically, are not mere proxies but independent actors with their own interests. She noted that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's initial expectation of a swift victory has given way to a prolonged conflict with a significant organization.

Saudi Arabia faces a dilemma in its security reliance, seeking broader support beyond the United States, which doesn't always align with Riyadh's directives. This mirrors a 2019 incident where then-President Trump hesitated to intervene after Houthi attacks on Saudi oil facilities, prompting Saudi Arabia to diversify its security partnerships.

Yaari emphasized that despite its flaws, American security protection remains indispensable, as no other Arab or Muslim nation is willing to fully commit to Saudi defense. She also pointed out that the strategic assumptions of Gulf states, including appeasing Iran and relying on limited Arab alliances, have proven ineffective against the current regional realities.

Addressing Israel, Yaari advised against overreacting to regional developments like the Mecca Agreement, suggesting it aims to bolster Saudi security, potentially with Turkish and Pakistani involvement. She urged Israel to adapt to the dynamic Middle Eastern landscape, moving beyond rigid friend-or-foe definitions, as the region's complexities render such binary approaches irrelevant.