Saudi Analyst: No Saudi-Israeli Cooperation on Red Sea Security
Saudi political writer and analyst Salem Al-Yami stated that Saudi Arabia is not considering any form of cooperation with Israel to counter the Houthi movement in Yemen or Iran, attributing this stance to the Kingdom's principled positions. Al-Yami explained on Al-Shams Radio that Saudi Arabia had previously rejected participating in arrangements that anticipated its or other Gulf states' involvement, even when presented with the idea that regional threats could justify cooperation with Israel. Instead, Riyadh has focused on seeking solutions to crises, engaging in mediation, and de-escalating tensions, deeming cooperation with Israel out of the question in this context.
Al-Yami noted that regional countries require security and intelligence information to protect their national interests amidst developments in the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb strait, but stressed this does not necessitate cooperation with Israel. He also recalled past attempts by international and regional actors, including successive US administrations, to link Saudi-US relations with rapprochement with Israel. These efforts, he said, occurred at various times, including during the Yemen war and under Democratic US administrations, when progress in Saudi-US ties was suggested to be contingent on Saudi normalization with Israel. The Saudi position consistently rejected this linkage, with Riyadh treating the two tracks as separate issues.
Regarding the Saudi Crown Prince's visit to Egypt, Al-Yami linked its timing to Cairo's importance in Red Sea security, highlighting the significance of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the Suez Canal, the Red Sea, the Bab el-Mandeb strait, and freedom of navigation to regional security. He suggested that Saudi-Egyptian cooperation could evolve beyond traditional political stances into qualitative collaboration, based on his reading of current developments.
Furthermore, Al-Yami pointed to Turkey and Pakistan, mentioning that the Pakistani Prime Minister affirmed his country's solidarity with Saudi Arabia. He also referenced a meeting in Ankara involving Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan to discuss establishing practical frameworks for cooperation. While not anticipating direct military intervention from Turkey, Pakistan, or Egypt, Al-Yami suggested the possibility of deterrence, cooperation, or arrangements to secure navigation, which could become more practical than in previous stages.
