Israel and Saudi Arabia Hold Secret Talks on Houthi Threat

Saudi Arabia and Israel are reportedly engaged in discreet negotiations concerning Israeli assistance to Riyadh in countering the Houthi threat from Yemen. These discussions, facilitated by the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), focus on intelligence sharing, specifically identifying Houthi military targets and analyzing their intentions. The reports emerged following a meeting on September 14th in Jeddah between Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper, where they discussed the escalating regional situation with the Houthis. Washington has agreed to provide intelligence support to Saudi Arabia, according to Reuters. Following this meeting, reports surfaced that Saudi Arabia had also sought assistance from Israel. Israel possesses significant satellite, signals, and aerial intelligence capabilities and has been closely monitoring the activities of the Iran-backed Houthi group for years. Furthermore, Israel has extensive experience in tracking the mobile launchers and dispersed military infrastructure utilized by the Houthis in their conflict against Yemen's government forces and Saudi Arabia. If confirmed, these negotiations would represent a significant development in cooperation between the two nations, which do not have formal diplomatic relations. Currently, there have been no official statements from Riyadh, Jerusalem, or Washington regarding the establishment of any communication channels. Previously, Mohammed bin Salman had urged former U.S. President Donald Trump to strike Houthi positions in Yemen, but the U.S. administration declined direct intervention.