Israel Shares Intelligence With Saudi Arabia Against Houthi Threat

Israel has provided intelligence assistance to Saudi Arabia in the ongoing struggle against the Houthi rebels, following discussions mediated by the U.S. Central Command, according to diplomatic sources in the Middle East. The Israeli intelligence is intended to help Saudi Arabia pinpoint Houthi force locations and anticipate their future intentions.

The cooperation between Israel and Saudi Arabia, facilitated by CENTCOM, comes amid escalating Houthi attacks and a growing threat to Riyadh and vital shipping lanes. This development follows reports that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had requested urgent assistance from regional nations due to setbacks against the Houthis. Riyadh's request for intelligence and other support to counter the threat to the Bab el-Mandeb strait was channeled indirectly through CENTCOM.

In the past week, the Houthis have intensified their assaults on Saudi Arabia, including drone attacks on oil pipelines and pumping facilities, leading to partial shutdowns of key pipelines. The Houthis have also seized several strategically important islands in the Red Sea and have barred Saudi vessels from transiting the Bab el-Mandeb strait. Security officials expressed concern that the U.S. might reach understandings with Iran and the Houthis, leaving Saudi Arabia and other regional states vulnerable.

Israel's intelligence contribution stems from its accumulated regional intelligence experience. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) had previously assisted the U.S. in building intelligence on Iranian force locations in the Strait of Hormuz, and this knowledge is now reportedly being applied against the Houthis. Evidence from Yemen suggests deep Iranian involvement in the Houthi advances, with former Houthi spokesperson Ali al-Bukhayti stating that Houthi control of Bab el-Mandeb signifies Iranian control over another strait. He warned that this could enable Iran and the Houthis to choke the global economy and pressure the Trump administration, potentially leading to a deal favoring Iran. A senior Yemeni commentator also asserted that Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps and experts are aiding the Houthis militarily, assisting with missile launches and operational planning. Al-Bukhayti further cautioned that Houthi control of Bab el-Mandeb could enhance their capabilities against Israel and facilitate further arms procurement from Iran, China, or Russia, ultimately aiming to become a regional power and extort passage fees.