Israel Establishes Dedicated Yemen, Houthi Intelligence Unit

Following Houthi attacks that began in the fall of 2023, Israel's military intelligence has created a specialized unit focused on Yemen and the Houthi movement, significantly expanding its intelligence-gathering capabilities over three years, according to Israeli media. The unit's work reportedly includes intelligence collection, missile and drone defense, and target preparation for strikes.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that the Houthis have been attacking Israel with missiles and drones since October 2023. Maariv reported that after the initial attacks, Israeli military intelligence concluded that existing knowledge of Yemen was insufficient. To address this, the new unit began training specialists in local dialects, culture, and the internal structure of the Houthis, while also enhancing intelligence sharing with international partners. The gathered intelligence has been utilized in Israeli Air Force and Navy operations targeting Houthi assets.

Israel's first officially confirmed strike against Houthi targets occurred on July 20, 2024, near the port of Hodeidah. Since then, the IDF has conducted multiple strikes on ports, energy infrastructure, missile sites, and other Houthi-controlled locations. The intelligence and operational capabilities Israel has developed are gaining additional importance amid a recent escalation between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia.

In September 2026, the Houthis intensified attacks on Saudi targets and advanced along the Red Sea coast toward the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman discussed the situation with U.S. Central Command head Admiral Brad Cooper on September 14. Reuters reported that Washington agreed to provide Riyadh with intelligence support and targeting assistance.

Maariv assessed Israel's accumulated knowledge of the Houthis as a potential strategic asset for Saudi Arabia, Gulf states, Egypt, and Jordan, though this does not yet signify an official Israeli-Saudi cooperation mechanism. Riyadh's interest in enhanced intelligence capabilities is driven by threats to oil infrastructure and shipping, as the Bab el-Mandeb remains a critical route between the Indian Ocean, the Red Sea, and the Suez Canal.