US Military Confirms Israeli Intelligence Aid to Saudi Arabia Against Houthis

Diplomatic sources in the region revealed on Tuesday that Israel is likely providing intelligence assistance to Saudi Arabia amidst the recent escalation with the Houthi group in Yemen. This support is reportedly channeled to Riyadh through the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), with assurances that there is no direct Israeli operational involvement or military participation in the fighting.

The issue was discussed during recent meetings between U.S. Central Command chief Admiral Brad Cooper and Saudi officials, including Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah on Monday. These discussions focused on the rapidly evolving security situation. The intelligence support comes as Washington seeks to aid Riyadh without direct military engagement in a new front.

Reports from last week indicated that bin Salman had requested U.S. military strikes against the Houthis from President Donald Trump due to their battlefield advances and growing threats to the Kingdom. While Trump reportedly rejected this request, U.S. officials stated that Washington would provide intelligence and assist in target identification.

These developments coincide with a peak in the renewed conflict between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis, with threats expanding for the first time in this round to include the holy city of Mecca, and air raid sirens sounding in Jeddah and Taif. Emergency warnings were also issued in Abha, Jazan, Al-Ula, and Yanbu, a critical port for Saudi oil exports via the Red Sea. The Saudi-led coalition announced that 13 civilians were injured and property was damaged in Houthi attacks targeting Khamis Mushait, Abha, and Taif. In response, the Houthis intensified drone and missile launches towards Saudi cities, military bases, and energy facilities.

On the ground in Yemen, the Houthis have made significant advances along the Red Sea coast, capturing the port city of Mokha and the strategic Perim Island in the Bab al-Mandab Strait. This has increased their ability to threaten a vital global shipping lane. Concerns are mounting in Riyadh, especially with Iran's potential to disrupt the Strait of Hormuz, making the Red Sea route crucial for Saudi oil exports. This escalation marks a significant shift after years where Saudi Arabia sought to avoid a full-scale war in Yemen. With the collapse of a truce that held since 2022, Riyadh faces renewed direct attacks on its territory and escalating threats to its critical infrastructure, alongside Houthi territorial gains.