Israel-Saudi Security Cooperation Against Houthis Could Expand Abraham Accords

Security cooperation between Israel and Saudi Arabia aimed at countering the Houthi threat in Yemen could lead to diplomatic outcomes extending far beyond the immediate regional challenge, an Israeli security official told i24NEWS on Tuesday. The official stated that this developing partnership "reopens the path for an expansion of the Abraham Accords," suggesting that recent regional events are prompting Riyadh to reassess its alliances and recognize clearer common interests with Israel.

The Israeli official also criticized Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's defense alliance, asserting that recent escalations have demonstrated its ineffectiveness. He presented this situation as a "golden opportunity" for Israel to showcase its reliability as a partner to Saudi Arabia, implying that Israel has already provided assistance when needed. "Know who your friends are," the official urged, emphasizing shared interests between the two nations.

These statements follow reports from a regional diplomat to i24NEWS that Israel and Saudi Arabia are engaged in discussions, facilitated by the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), to provide intelligence support to Riyadh against the Houthis. CENTCOM Commander Brad Cooper recently visited Saudi Arabia, meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and other senior officials. A source familiar with these exchanges described the discussions as "positive."

The Israeli security official believes this burgeoning cooperation could influence Saudi Arabia's stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Israel is reportedly signaling to Riyadh that it must now choose its strategic partners carefully. Ultimately, the counter-Houthi collaboration may serve as a catalyst for further rapprochement between Israel and Saudi Arabia, potentially revitalizing the process of expanding the Abraham Accords.