Israel Shares Intelligence with Saudi Arabia Amid Houthi Attacks

Israel and Saudi Arabia have initiated talks, facilitated by the U.S. Central Command, for Riyadh to receive Israeli intelligence on Houthi forces. This development follows an escalation in Houthi attacks against Saudi interests over the past week, including a drone strike on oil pipelines that partially halted operations on the kingdom's main pipeline. The Houthis are also accused of targeting civilians near the Saudi-Yemen border and seizing strategic Red Sea islands, disrupting passage through the Bab al-Mandab Strait.

Regional sources indicate Saudi Arabia is seeking intelligence to map Houthi military deployments and anticipate future operations. Israel has previously demonstrated its intelligence capabilities, notably assisting the U.S. in identifying Iranian forces near the Strait of Hormuz.

Saudi Arabia has also reportedly requested assistance from the United Kingdom to push Houthi forces away from the Bab al-Mandab Strait and protect its oil infrastructure. London has agreed to send military advisors but has not committed to further support.

Despite lacking formal diplomatic ties, Israel and Saudi Arabia share converging security interests. The escalating regional threats could accelerate their cooperation, with Washington continuing to encourage normalization between the two nations.