Saudi Arabia Seeks Israeli Intelligence Aid Against Houthis Via US

Saudi Arabia is reportedly seeking intelligence assistance from Israel to counter escalating attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels, with the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) mediating the discussions. Diplomatic sources in the region and Israeli reports indicate that indirect contacts have been established between Riyadh and Jerusalem through the American military command.

The Houthis, supported by Iran, have recently expanded their operations in Yemen, capturing key areas along the Red Sea coast, including the port of Mocha, and intensifying their threats to shipping in the Bab el-Mandeb strait. They have also increased missile and drone attacks on Saudi Arabia, with recent barrages targeting an air force base and causing civilian casualties in several southern and western cities.

This request for Israeli intelligence comes as pressure mounts on Riyadh. While Saudi Arabia has responded with airstrikes in Yemen, it is also seeking external support. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman recently met with Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of CENTCOM, amid reports of ongoing U.S. military involvement in Saudi Arabia focused on intelligence sharing and operational coordination against the Houthis. Washington, however, has so far avoided broader military intervention.

The potential intelligence cooperation with Israel is particularly noteworthy given Saudi Arabia's recent defense pacts signed in August with Turkey and Pakistan. This agreement posits that an armed attack on one signatory would be considered an attack on all, intended to form a regional mutual defense framework. However, neither Turkey nor Pakistan has yet provided direct military intervention in response to the Houthi escalation, leaving Riyadh to rely primarily on U.S. support and now exploring an Israeli channel, while its new regional alliance remains largely a political and security framework yet to be tested in action.