Israel Shares Intelligence on Houthis with Saudi Arabia via US

A regional security cooperation mechanism is reportedly forming in Cairo, with U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) officials proposing a joint security framework to counter the Houthi threat in the Red Sea. Israel is said to be providing high-quality intelligence to ensure freedom of navigation in the Bab al-Mandab strait.

According to regional assessments and diplomats, Israel has begun transferring targeted intelligence to Saudi Arabia through direct American mediation. This initiative arose from a Saudi request for assistance from the United States, which was then relayed to Jerusalem. Israeli officials view the Houthi threat from Yemen as a broad strategic challenge, explaining their willingness to leverage intelligence capabilities developed since the start of the conflict to promote regional stability.

This development coincides with intensive diplomatic and security discussions held on the sidelines of a meeting between Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi in Cairo. U.S. officials and senior personnel from CENTCOM have actively participated in these security discussions. American representatives visiting Israel recently emphasized during meetings in Egypt the critical added value of Israeli intelligence.

Israel's operational experience and intelligence-gathering capabilities concerning the Houthis since October 7th enable it to provide precise data on the organization's launch sites, naval capabilities, and infrastructure in Yemen. The new mechanism primarily focuses on protecting freedom of navigation in the Bab al-Mandab strait and the Red Sea, which have been severely impacted by Houthi drone and sea-to-land missile attacks.

The sharing of Israeli intelligence, even if currently through indirect channels, is seen as a vital step toward restoring stability to this strategic maritime passage and strengthening a regional bloc against the "axis of resistance."