Israel May Offer Saudi Arabia Intelligence, Defense Aid Against Houthis

Israel is reportedly considering providing Saudi Arabia with crucial intelligence and defense support to counter Houthi attacks, according to Israel's Channel 12. The move is seen as an opportunity for Jerusalem to leverage Saudi Arabia's current vulnerability to advance its own diplomatic interests.

Experts suggest that Israel could offer valuable assistance, including intelligence on Houthi operations, early warning systems, air defense and electronic warfare capabilities, and help in identifying missile sites. Protection for Saudi oil facilities and maritime routes is also a potential area of support.

This potential aid could be used as leverage to achieve a formal peace agreement with Saudi Arabia, moving beyond informal contacts. The proposal reportedly suggests seeking immediate, officially recognized normalization of relations.

Notably, this proposed deal does not appear to include the Palestinian issue, which Saudi Arabia has recently emphasized as a mandatory prerequisite for normalization, rather than a subject for negotiation. Riyadh has repeatedly stated its willingness to normalize ties only after the establishment of a Palestinian state.

Despite ongoing political disagreements, recent reports indicate a potential for practical cooperation between Israel and Saudi Arabia against the Houthis. The Iran-backed Houthi forces have intensified attacks on Saudi Arabia while consolidating their positions on Yemen's west coast, prompting emergency meetings in Riyadh to discuss responses.