Israel Shares Houthi Intelligence with Saudi Arabia Amid Regional Tensions

Israel has reportedly shared intelligence regarding Houthi forces in Yemen with Saudi Arabia, according to a report by Walla News citing Middle Eastern diplomatic sources. The exchange reportedly occurred with the mediation of the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).

Israel's assistance aimed to provide Saudi Arabia with a clearer understanding of Houthi positions and potential future actions. This comes as the Houthis have intensified attacks on Saudi Arabia in the past week, targeting oil pipelines and pumping stations, causing partial shutdowns. The Houthis have also seized strategic islands in the Red Sea and restricted Saudi vessel passage through the Bab el-Mandeb strait.

Sources within Israeli security circles expressed concern to Walla News about the escalating situation, fearing potential separate deals between the U.S. and Iran or the Houthis, which could leave Saudi Arabia and other regional states vulnerable. Israel possesses significant intelligence experience in the region, having previously assisted the U.S. military in mapping Iranian forces near the Strait of Hormuz.

The reported intelligence cooperation between Jerusalem and Riyadh occurs amidst ongoing discussions about potential normalization of relations. Walla News suggests that shared security interests already exist between the two nations, independent of political progress, although Saudi Arabia maintains its stance that normalization is contingent on the resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.