Israel Explores Deeper Security Ties With Saudi Arabia Amid Houthi Threat

Israel is considering expanding security cooperation with Saudi Arabia in light of the escalating conflict with the Houthi rebels in Yemen, according to a report by Israel's Channel 12. This comes as security discussions between the two nations are already underway, reportedly mediated by the U.S. Central Command, focusing on Israeli intelligence support for Riyadh's efforts against the Houthis.

The Houthis have recently intensified their actions, expanding control along Yemen's Red Sea coast, seizing strategic points near the Bab el-Mandeb strait, and increasing attacks on Saudi targets, including energy infrastructure. Saudi Arabia sought direct U.S. military intervention, but Washington has opted for intelligence assistance.

Israel views the Houthi threat as a shared concern, as the rebels endanger Red Sea shipping lanes and have previously attacked Israel, now also pressuring Saudi Arabia. Jerusalem is reportedly assessing whether this situation can revive security understandings that existed before October 7.

However, Israel is also concerned that Saudi Arabia might pursue a separate agreement with the Houthis to halt attacks, potentially leaving Israel to face the Yemeni threat alone. This concern was amplified by a Reuters report detailing a secret meeting between U.S. officials and Houthi representatives in Oman. The Houthis reportedly stated they would not target American or Israeli vessels and would respect the ceasefire with the U.S., but reserved the right to attack Saudi ships.

For Israel, the Yemeni conflict presents both a security challenge and a diplomatic test, potentially pushing Israel and Saudi Arabia toward deeper cooperation or leading to separate arrangements that could alter the regional balance of power.