Israel Reportedly Aiding Saudi Arabia Against Houthis Via US Command

Israel is reportedly providing intelligence assistance to Saudi Arabia amid the escalating conflict with Yemen's Houthi rebels, according to regional diplomatic sources. This support is allegedly channeled through the U.S. military's Central Command (CENTCOM) and does not involve direct Israeli operational involvement or combat participation.

The issue was discussed during recent meetings in Saudi Arabia between CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Cooper met bin Salman in Jeddah to discuss regional security developments, particularly the intensified conflict with the Iran-aligned Houthi forces in Yemen.

This reported Israeli assistance comes as the U.S. seeks to support Riyadh without becoming directly involved in another military front. Last week, reports indicated that bin Salman had asked U.S. President Donald Trump to authorize American strikes against the Houthis, a request Trump denied. However, U.S. officials confirmed that America would provide intelligence and targeting assistance to Saudi Arabia.

The current escalation marks a significant shift, with Houthi threats extending to Mecca, Islam's holiest city, and air raid sirens activated in Jeddah and Taif. Earlier, emergency alerts were issued in Abha, Jizan, Al-Ula, and Yanbu, a key Red Sea port. The Saudi-led coalition reported that recent Houthi attacks on Khamis Mushait, Abha, and Taif resulted in minor to moderate civilian injuries and damage to property.

The Houthis, in turn, blame Riyadh for the escalation and have intensified missile and drone attacks on Saudi cities, bases, and energy facilities. Simultaneously, the Houthis have made significant territorial gains within Yemen, advancing along the Red Sea coast, capturing the port city of Mokha and the strategic Perim Island in the Bab al-Mandab strait. This advance enhances their ability to threaten crucial global shipping lanes, especially as Iran's actions have made the Red Sea route critical for Saudi oil exports following potential blockades of the Strait of Hormuz.

This renewed conflict signifies a departure from Saudi Arabia's efforts to avoid a large-scale war in Yemen. A ceasefire that largely held since 2022 has eroded rapidly, leaving Riyadh facing simultaneous attacks on its territory, threats to its energy infrastructure, and Houthi advances within Yemen.