Israel Reportedly Aiding Saudi Arabia with Intelligence Against Houthis

Israel is reportedly providing intelligence support to Saudi Arabia amid escalating conflict with Yemen's Houthi rebels, according to regional diplomatic sources speaking on Tuesday, September 15. This intelligence is allegedly being channeled to Riyadh through the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM). The sources clarified that this assistance does not involve operational support or direct Israeli military involvement.

The issue of intelligence sharing was reportedly discussed during recent talks in Saudi Arabia between CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Admiral Cooper met with the Crown Prince in Jeddah on Monday, September 14, to discuss regional security concerns, particularly the intensified conflict with Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen.

This reported Israeli assistance comes as the U.S. seeks to support Riyadh without becoming directly involved in another conflict. Last week, reports indicated that Mohammed bin Salman had requested U.S. airstrikes against the Houthis from President Donald Trump, citing Houthi advances in Yemen and growing threats to Saudi Arabia. Trump reportedly declined this request, but U.S. officials signaled continued intelligence sharing and targeting assistance.

The region is experiencing a significant escalation, with Houthi threats expanding to areas near Mecca, Islam's holiest city, and warnings issued in Jeddah and Taif. Saudi Arabia's coalition reported 13 civilian injuries from recent Houthi attacks on Khamis Mushait, Abha, and Taif, causing damage to homes and vehicles. The Houthis, however, blame Riyadh for the escalation, having recently increased missile and drone attacks on Saudi cities, military bases, and energy infrastructure.

Simultaneously, the Houthis have made territorial gains within Yemen, capturing the port city of Al Mocha and Perim Island in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. This enhances their ability to threaten a vital global shipping lane, a concern amplified by Iran's actions in the Strait of Hormuz. The current confrontation marks a significant shift after years of Saudi efforts to avoid full-scale war in Yemen, with a 2022 ceasefire largely holding until recent months.

On September 15, Mohammed bin Salman met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi in Cairo. Both leaders emphasized the importance of freedom of navigation and maritime security in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and Red Sea. Egypt's presidency stated that el-Sisi expressed support for Saudi measures to protect its security and stability and for efforts toward a political resolution in Yemen.